With the T20 World Cup set to be held later this year in June, all-rounder Shivam Dube has boosted the hopes of his selection in India's squad for the marquee event. With all-rounder and vice-captain Hardik Pandya nursing an ankle injury since October last year, Dube's resurgence as a fast-bowling all-rounder has proved to be a blessing for India. In the ongoing T20I series, Dube has scored back-to-back half-centuries in the first two matches, also picking up two wickets in the process.
Dube has notched up unbeaten scores of 60 and 63, respectively, striking over 150 in both matches.
During the second T20I on Sunday, Dube entertained the crowd and his teammates by smashing three sixes on the trot in the 10th over of India's chase. Virat Kohli was also impressed by the show put on by Dube.
Up, Up and Away!
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2024
Three consecutive monstrous SIXES from Shivam Dube #INDvAFG @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/3y40S3ctUW
On way to his an unbeaten 63 off 32 balls in the second T20I here on Sunday, Dube smashed four towering sixes and five fours, as India chased down a target of 173 with as many as 26 balls to spare.
On how hard it is to think only about the present and not about the forthcoming T20 World Cup, Dube said, "In the past I have thought a lot about the future. But I have realised that I got to focus on the present. I have to focus on how to improve my skills, so that's more important to me. I just try to keep myself grounded and try to focus on what I have to do." In stark contrast to his penchant to toy with the spinners, 30-year-old Dube has often looked vulnerable against the short deliveries bowled at good pace. He admitted that the standard of fast bowlers in the IPL is much better than in domestic cricket.
On the amount of work that has gone into improving his game against short balls, Dube said, "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 140km/hr." "I worked a lot with side arms, but it is more about the mindset which I worked." Dube had a poor start for India's white-ball team against Bangladesh more than four years ago.
Asked about the methods he has employed that's resulted in a significant improvement, he said, "This credit goes to Chennai Super Kings and Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) because I always had this game in me." "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." Speaking about his mindset as a finisher, the Mumbai all-rounder said, "As a middle-order batsman, my role is to take on spinners and improve the strike rate. But when it is like getting 20-25 runs, I focus on that." "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.
(With PTI Inputs)
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