Shivam Dube, a key player in Team India, got loads of compliments for his awesome performance against Afghanistan. This happened in the second T20I, which was on a Sunday (January 14) in Indore.
Dube, who was the star player from a prior game, didn’t slow down. He played outstandingly well again. This stellar showing ensured India’s solid victory, with a lead of six wickets, at Holkar Stadium.
Afghanistan been bowled out for 172 in 20 overs after they were allowed to bat first in the second T20I. India subsequently easily won the match, reaching the mark in 15.4 overs. Virat Kohli (29) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (68) led the top order and got the hosts off to a quick start in the powerplay.
Following Kohli’s removal, Shivam Dube assumed command and mounted an incredible attack on the Afghan bowlers. With Yashasvi Jaiswal at his side, he blasted his way to a 22-ball half-century, putting India ahead.
He concluded the game in the sixteenth over, remaining undefeated all the way to the conclusion. Shivam Dube smashed five fours and four sixes on his way to 63* (32). During his three-over performance, he also took a wicket with the ball in the opening innings.
Dube’s steady performances in the current series won over fans, who showed their appreciation for him by posting messages on social media. Here are a few of them:
Shivam Dube discusses the dedication that drove his victory in the second T20I
After the game, Shivam Dube shared that captain of the team, Rohit Sharma, was happy with how he played. He felt good to meet the expectations placed on him. He mentioned:
“He’s (Rohit Sharma) really pleased with my performance and I’m repaying the faith he’s put in me. We both (him and Jaiswal) are strong players, we know our game, my role was to take on the spinners, Jaiswal was already playing well and we wanted to finish the game as soon as possible.
Shivam Dube
On his thought-process while batting, Dube said:
“There wasn’t any target in the mind, we have finished on time. Not thinking to hit out of the ground, but definitely out of the park. There are many things I worked on, it is about mentality in T20s and how you handle the pressure, we focused on it and not hitting all the balls importantly.”
Shivam Dube
He also shed light on his bowling, saying:
“I’m working on my bowling as well, got the three overs today, wasn’t great today and that’s how it goes in T20’s, not all the days are same.”
Shivam Dube
On Wednesday, January 17, Shivam Dube will return to action when India plays Afghanistan in the third Twenty20 International at Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.