He credits both MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma for backing him on the big stage
All-arounder Shivam Dube of India has given gratitude to CSK captain MS Dhoni for the change in his mindset and style of play since he returned to the Indian squad and won the first Twenty20 International against Afghanistan in Mohali with a match-winning score of 60 off 40 balls.
As Dube made his T20I XI comeback after the Asian Games in October of last year, his half-century and 1 for 9 from two overs highlighted India’s six-wicket victory.
Dube told the host announcer, “When I came to bat, I wanted to put into practice what I have learned from MS Dhoni about finishing games.” I talk to Mahi bhai all the time. He gives me advice on how to handle certain circumstances. He has graded my batting and offered me two or three recommendations. So I think I’ll keep playing well if that’s how he feels about my batting. That made me feel more confident.
“In a T20 it’s important for a batter to finish games off while chasing so doing that for the team felt very good,” he stated to bcci.tv.
Dube was selected for the home Twenty20 Internationals against Australia following the Asian Games, but he did not play and was not included in the away series against South Africa, when India was without a pace-bowling all-round player. Dube might be considered as Hardik Pandya’s backup for the T20 World Cup given his present injury.
I’m thrilled to be back with the Indian squad after a protracted absence. This was significant,” he remarked. “I can bat higher in the order because both Rohit and Dhoni accept that. There’s a lot of work ahead of me, but I have faith that they will support and care about my success. That gives me a lot more optimism, therefore.”
Dube responded, “He told me only one thing, ‘keep playing this way, be positive in your game,'” when asked what lesson Rohit had given him. You are aware that you are capable of winning the game and scoring from any location.”
During the ninth and twelfth overs, Dube bowled and, with his second delivery, got rid of Ibrahim Zadran for 25 runs. Just two runs were scored in his first over, and seven in his second.
Regarding his bowling, Dube stated, “The changes have not come suddenly.” My fitness was a major area of focus throughout the off-season. Things continued to get better after that because I bowled a lot in domestic cricket as well. I was able to set a reasonable speed and locate the appropriate spots.”
India’s final series before the T20 World Cup in June is the Twenty20 Internationals versus Afghanistan, albeit who gets selected may depend on how well they do in the IPL. But Dube wasn’t planning too far ahead.
“It’s a dream for every cricketer to contribute and help his country win,” he stated. “So, the World Cup selection is something that’s always on my mind. However, there’s still a lot of time, so I want to go cautiously.”
