Shivam Dube (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, Shivam Dube not only dissected the New Zealand bowling attack but also made a statement about his development as a T20 cricketer ahead of the much-awaited T20 World Cup at home. The Indian all-rounder’s explosive 65 off 23 balls was fueled as much by sharp thinking as by brute force, with Dube declaring that he has become a “smarter” player thanks to regular opportunities at the top level.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!While his brutal 29-run over against leg-spinner Ish Sodhi stole the headlines, Dube quietly highlighted another key improvement in his game — comfort against pace. Three towering sixes from Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry made it clear that fast bowling was no longer a safe option against him.
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“It’s just the hard work that I’m doing. I’m improving my mindset because I’m playing all those games and batting in that situation,” Dube said after the game. “So I know what’s going to happen, what the main things the pitcher is going to come to me with.Dube credited the consistent playing time with helping him better read situations and prepare for different challenges. He also pointed to the added responsibility with the ball as a factor in his growth, even though he didn’t play in that game.
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“That is the key point for my batting and bowling as well. I am bowling thanks to Gauti bhai and Surya bhai. They gave me the opportunity to bowl,” he said. “So when you bowl, you get a little bit smart. I’m working on that as well, trying to develop some other skills.”The left-hander admitted that the experiences of recent months have changed his approach. “There’s something called experience and it’s gotten to me and it’s going in the right direction,” Dube said. “All players upgrade themselves… I can’t be the same as I was. I’m trying to be a little better, a little smarter in the next game.”Dube’s 15-ball half-century – the third-fastest in T20I history – fell short of the milestone chase. “I was concentrating on every ball. I wasn’t thinking about getting a fifty in 15,” he said.When Dube explained the attack on Sodhi, he revealed a ruthless clarity. “I knew he was a bit scared too, he threw me the wrong ball. I was ready for it. So I wanted to dominate – and I did.”
