Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube exhibited his remarkable six-hitting skills, attributing it to a “God’s gift,” in a crucial innings that played a pivotal role in India’s triumph over Afghanistan in the second T20 International.
Match-Winning Knock: Unbeaten 63 off 32 Balls
Shivam Dube unbeaten 63 off 32 balls powered India to a comprehensive victory, successfully chasing down a target of 173 with 26 balls to spare.
Dube’s Interview with JioCinema: Balancing Natural Talent and Hard Work
In an interview with JioCinema, Dube expressed his pleasure at continually enhancing his performance. He attributed his expansive stroke range to a combination of natural talent and dedicated hard work.
“It’s a pleasure to keep improving my performance as I am going along. The range I have is God’s gift, and I have also worked a lot on it,” said Dube.
Facing Challenges Against Pace and Bounce
Known for his proficiency against spinners, Shivam Dube acknowledged the challenges posed by express pace and bounce, especially in the context of IPL and international cricket.
“I have worked a lot on it. When I was playing domestic cricket, I was able to dominate all the bowlers, but when it came to IPL and Indian cricket, it was not easy as bowlers were bowling over 140 km/hr,” he admitted.
Gratitude Towards Chennai Super Kings and MS Dhoni
Shivam Dube credited the Chennai Super Kings, particularly the guidance of MS Dhoni, for bringing out the best in him.
“They have brought out the best in me. They have always encouraged me and said that they believe in me. Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey have shown faith in me,” he acknowledged.
Mindset as a Finisher: Drawing Inspiration from MS Dhoni
Reflecting on his mindset as a finisher, Dube drew inspiration from the legendary MS Dhoni.
“What I have seen Mahi bhai do for a long time, I am working in that direction. I have to keep myself calm and composed and just focus on one ball at a time,” he stated.
Focus on Present and Continuous Improvement
The Mumbai all-rounder emphasized the importance of focusing on the present and continuous improvement, especially as India prepares for future competitions.
“In the past, I have thought a lot about the future. But I have realized that I have to focus on the present. I have to focus on how to improve my skills, so that’s more important to me,” he asserted.
Shivam Dube Standout Performance in Series Win
As India secured the series win against Afghanistan, Dube’s outstanding performance stood out, showcasing his ability to dominate opposition bowlers and contribute significantly as a middle-order batsman.