NEW DELHI: Marking a dynamic comeback to the Indian team, Shivam Dube played a pivotal role with a powerful 60 not out off 40 balls in the first T20I against Afghanistan. He attributed the positive shift in his attitude and approach to the iconic MS Dhoni, whose influence has been instrumental in Dube's cricketing journey.
Dube's impactful half-century significantly contributed to India's comfortable six-wicket victory on Thursday, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
"When I came to bat, I wanted to implement what I have learnt from MS Dhoni about finishing games. I keep speaking to Mahi bhai. He tells me about how to tackle different situations. He has given me two-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," Dube told 'JIO Cinema'.
Dube's previous appearance for India was in last year's Asian Games at Hangzhou.
The Mumbai player was part of the India squad for home T20I series against Australia but did not get a chance to play and was not selected for the away series against South Africa.
Dube also found shades of Dhoni in the way Rohit Sharma captained the side, and allowed him the space to perform.
1/10:All-round Dube helps India beat Afghanistan in chilly T20I opener
ANI
2/10:Shivam Dube's unbeaten fifty
All-rounder Shivam Dube (60* off 40 balls) defied bitterly cold weather to hit an unbeaten half-century for India.PTI
3/10:India take 1-0 lead vs Afghanistan
India eased to a comfortable six-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first Twenty20 international.PTI
4/10:India's bowlers restrict Afghanistan
India's bowlers led by spinner Axar Patel restricted Afghanistan to 158/5 despite an attacking 42 by Mohammad Nabi.AFP
5/10:Chilly weather in Mohali
Temperatures plummeted to just nine degrees (48 Fahrenheit) in the northern city of Mohali where summer heat can soar to a scorching 40-plus degrees.ANI
6/10:Positive performance by spinners
"There were a lot of positives, especially with the ball. Wasn't the easiest of conditions but our spinners bowled particularly well," India skipper Rohit Sharma said.AFP
7/10:Key partnerships in India's chase
Shivam Dube steered the chase with key partnerships including a 45-run stand with Jitesh Sharma, who made 31, and an unbeaten 42 with Rinku Singh, 16 not out.PTI
8/10:Man of the Match: Shivam Dube
The 30-year-old Shivam Dube (1/9 & 60*) won the game with a six and four and was named man of the match.ANI
9/10:Afghanistan's batting struggles
Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on 50 for the opening wicket before the Indian bowlers hit back with Axar returning figures of 2-23.AP
10/10:Afghanistan's fielding woes
"We were quite lazy with the fielding today," Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran said. "We will try to improve batting as well. Bowling we have no issue. Will focus on what we did wrong today."PTI"Both 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," he added.
Dube also grabbed the important wicket of Afghan captain Ibrahim Zadran (25 off 22 balls), and the pacer said he has been working on his bowling.
"The changes have not come suddenly. 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 generate a decent pace," he said.
