With the T20 World Cup set to be held later this 12 months in June, all-rounder Shivam Dube has boosted the hopes of his choice in India’s squad for the marquee occasion. With all-rounder and vice-captain Hardik Pandya nursing an ankle damage since October final 12 months, Dube’s resurgence as a fast-bowling all-rounder has proved to be a blessing for India. Within the ongoing T20I sequence, Dube has scored back-to-back half-centuries within the first two matches, additionally choosing up two wickets within the course of.
Dube has notched up unbeaten scores of 60 and 63, respectively, placing over 150 in each matches.
Through the second T20I on Sunday, Dube entertained the group and his teammates by smashing three sixes on the trot within the tenth over of India’s chase. Virat Kohli was additionally impressed by the present placed on by Dube.
Up, Up and Away!
Three consecutive monstrous SIXES from Shivam Dube #INDvAFG @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/3y40S3ctUW
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2024
On method to his an unbeaten 63 off 32 balls within the second T20I right here on Sunday, Dube smashed 4 towering sixes and 5 fours, as India chased down a goal of 173 with as many as 26 balls to spare.
On how laborious it’s to suppose solely concerning the current and never concerning the forthcoming T20 World Cup, Dube mentioned, ”Previously I’ve thought so much concerning the future. However I’ve realised that I acquired to concentrate on the current. I’ve to concentrate on the way to enhance my abilities, in order that’s extra essential to me. I simply attempt to maintain myself grounded and attempt to concentrate on what I’ve to do.” In stark distinction to his penchant to toy with the spinners, 30-year-old Dube has typically regarded susceptible in opposition to the brief deliveries bowled at good tempo. He admitted that the usual of quick bowlers within the IPL is a lot better than in home cricket.
On the quantity of labor that has gone into bettering his sport in opposition to brief balls, Dube mentioned, ”I’ve labored so much on it. After I was taking part in home cricket, I used to be capable of dominate all of the bowlers, however when it got here to IPL and Indian cricket it was not straightforward as bowlers have been bowling over 140km/hr.” ”I labored so much with aspect arms, however it’s extra concerning the mindset which I labored.” Dube had a poor begin for India’s white-ball workforce in opposition to Bangladesh greater than 4 years in the past.
Requested concerning the strategies he has employed that is resulted in a major enchancment, he mentioned, ”This credit score goes to Chennai Tremendous Kings and Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) as a result of I all the time had this sport in me.” ”They’ve introduced out one of the best in me. They’ve all the time inspired me and mentioned that they consider in me. Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey have proven religion in me.” Talking about his mindset as a finisher, the Mumbai all-rounder mentioned, ”As a middle-order batsman, my position is to tackle spinners and enhance the strike charge. However when it’s like getting 20-25 runs, I concentrate on that.” ”What I’ve seen Mahi bhai do for a very long time, I’m working in that course. I’ve to maintain myself calm and composed and simply concentrate on one ball at a time.
(With PTI Inputs)
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