Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube has opened up about the advice he got from MS Dhoni that helped improve his game drastically. He struggled with the short ball early in his career, but some advice from ‘Captain Cool’ led to a complete turnaround and he became the prolific all-rounder he is today.
In a post-match interview with former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel for Star Sports, Dube talked about how Chennai Super Kings legend Dhoni made the suggestion it completely changed his outlook. When faced with a particular delivery, there is a feeling that you would only conquer it if you are able to hit it for a six.
The all-rounder admitted he worked on facing the short ball in the offseason to get where he is today.
“There was a period when I came to the IPL, I struggled a bit with the short balls, I wasn’t able to hit them as cleanly then, but then I realized that if I have to dominate at this level and I have that power, why should I fall short for one thing, so I worked on that a lot in the off-season,” said Dube.
“Mahi bhai told me that it is not necessary for you to hit a six on that ball, you can hit a boundary or take a single, so I always kept that in mind when I took the start,” he added.
Dube and Dhoni have shared the CSK dressing room since 2022 and the relationship remains strong even today. While Dhoni’s playing days may be coming to an end soon, Dube seems to be reaching new heights as India’s all-rounder.
DUBE HITS WITH FORM BEFORE SUPER 8s
On Wednesday, February 19, he presented himself in the main role India’s win over Netherlands in 17 overs to give them four wins in four before the Super 8s in the T20 World Cup. He went on to win the man of the match award for scoring a 31-ball 66 and taking two wickets.
With form on Dube’s side, India will consider themselves lucky to have a player of his caliber going into the Super 8s where the Men in Blue are tasked with defending their T20 World Cup crown.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 19, 2026