Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube recently shone in a match against Afghanistan, crediting the legendary MS Dhoni for his guidance. Dube, a tall all-rounder from Mumbai, caught the attention of selectors in 2019 but faced setbacks with inconsistent batting performances. However, his fortunes changed when he was picked by Chennai Super Kings for ₹4 crore in the 2022 IPL auction, coinciding with the day he became a father.
In the 2022 IPL season, Dube showcased promise with a strike rate of 156.22. The breakthrough came in 2023 when he hit an impressive 418 runs with 35 sixes in 16 matches for CSK. Despite this success, opportunities with the national team were limited. He played five matches in 2023 due to several first-choice players being unavailable.
Although Dube was included in the squad for the home series against Australia and the Afghanistan series, he didn’t get a chance to play until the first match against Afghanistan. In that game, he played a stellar innings, scoring an unbeaten 60 off 40 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Dube said: MS Dhoni heloed me upgrade my game
Dube acknowledged the influence of MS Dhoni, expressing gratitude for the guidance received. He highlighted Dhoni’s valuable tips on batting in different situations, boosting his confidence.
While Dube’s batting prowess was well-known, his bowling abilities were questioned at the highest level. However, in the Afghanistan match, he bowled two tight overs, conceding only nine runs and taking the wicket of Rahmat Shah. Dube revealed that he had been working on his bowling and expressed gratitude to captain Rohit Sharma for assuring him of bowling 2-3 overs regularly in each match.
Dube’s journey reflects the impact of mentorship and perseverance. From IPL success to international recognition, he has overcome challenges and credits his achievements to the guidance of cricketing legends like MS Dhoni and the opportunities provided by captain Rohit Sharma. As he continues to make strides as a reliable all-rounder, Dube’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers.
