Visakhapatnam: Despite India facing a 50-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth T20 match, all-rounder Shivam Dube’s batting performance became a highlight of the game. After the match, Dube spoke about his growing confidence, strengthened by experience and mental toughness gained from playing consecutive matches.
Dube explained that adapting to different match situations has enhanced his ability to read the game and understand bowlers’ strategies better. “I am now playing with a stronger mindset. Batting in various conditions helps me anticipate what the bowlers will do. This insight is the key to both my batting and bowling,” he said.
Coming in at number six, Dube scored a quick half-century off just 15 balls, marking the third fastest fifty by an Indian male player in T20 internationals. He went on to finish with a brilliant 65 runs from 23 balls, including seven sixes. Notably, 36 of his runs came against spin bowlers, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 400 against them.
On his bowling contributions, Dube expressed gratitude to coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for giving him opportunities. “Getting to bowl makes me smarter on the field. I am continuously working to improve my skills in bowling as well,” he added.
Discussing his strength against spin, Dube said his role in the middle overs is to keep the strike rate high. He emphasized the importance of understanding match-ups and acknowledged that applying pressure on spinners is his greatest strength.
During the match, Dube targeted New Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and captain Mitchell Santner, scoring 29 runs off Sodhi in the 12th over alone. Reflecting on that phase, Dube said, “There was no fixed game plan; it was instinctive. I sensed he was under pressure and likely to bowl a loose delivery. I waited for that opportunity and capitalised on it.”
He concluded by saying he strives to improve with every game. “I don’t want to be the same player I was before. I aim to be smarter in every match,” he stated.
With India having already secured the series, the team now looks forward to concluding the contest with a win in the fifth and final T20 match scheduled for Saturday in Thiruvananthapuram.
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