Shivam Dube has applauded CSK captain MS Dhoni for the transformation in his attitude and approach after smashing a half-century in the first T20I match of Afghanistan’s India tour.
Shivam Dube on Dhoni’s Finishing Style
Shivam Dube has smashed an impressive match-winning 60 to write a six-wicket victory against Afghanistan at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.
Dube’s fifty and one wicket dismissal in two overs headed India to a 1-0 series. He returned to the T20I playing 11 after his last appearance in the Asian Games last year.
Speaking at the post-match conference Shivam Dube said, “When I came to bat, I wanted to implement what I have learned from MS Dhoni about finishing games,” Dubey told the host broadcaster.
“I keep speaking to Mahi bhai. He tells me about how to tackle different situations. He has given me two or three tips and rated my batting.”
“So, I feel if he rates my batting then I’ll keep playing well. My confidence went up because of that.
“In a T20 it’s important for a batter to finish games off while chasing so doing for the team felt very good,” he said.
Dube was picked for the T20Is against Australia but did not get a game and was left out of the series against South Africa. Shivam Dube is seen as a backup for Hardik Pandya who sustained an injury during the World Cup campaign in India.
“It feels very special because I’m back in the Indian team after a long time. This was important.
“Both [Dhoni and Rohit] allow me to bat higher in the order. There’s a lot of work to be done and I know they will back me and want me to do well. So, that makes me feel a lot more positive.”
When he asked about the message given to him Shivam Dube said, “He told me only one thing, ‘keep playing this way, be positive in your game. You know you can score from anywhere and you can win us the game from anywhere.”
Dubey bowled the ninth and 12th overs and dismissed Ibrahim Zadran for 25 with his second ball. His first over went for just two runs and the second for seven.
“The changes have not come suddenly,” said Dube. “In the off-season, I worked a lot on my fitness. After that, I bowled a lot in domestic cricket too so things kept improving. I was able to find the right areas and also generated a decent pace.”
India has only two T20Is left before the T20 World Cup in June. India’s T20I squad selection could also depend on the IPL performances.
“It’s a dream for every cricketer to contribute and help his country win,” he said. So, that’s (selection for the World Cup) always at the back of the mind. But there’s a lot of time left for it, so I want to take it step by step.”
