Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube said that the circumstances and pitch at the Nassau Cricket County Club in New York during the present T20 World Cup prevented him from playing his natural style. Despite being a powerful hitter, Dube struggled in the three games the Men in Blue played at the venue.
One of the primary reasons for Dube’s return to the Indian side was his phenomenal couple of seasons with the Chennai Super Kings. He has been employed as a floater, smashing spinners virtually at will, and has demonstrated his ability to strike pacers in the IPL 2024.
Speaking to PTI, Shivam Dube highlighted why he had to change his game strategy to adapt to the New York surface. He said:
“It felt like (playing) Ranji Trophy. I don’t think in white ball. It’s not easy to come here and start hitting from ball one; you have to take your time. Obviously, I miss six-hitting at CSK and in India…it’s difficult to bat here in these conditions and in the nets as well. It is definitely better to bowl here, I would have bowled more but was hit for a six and didn’t get opportunity.”
Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube faced 46 balls in three games in New York and scored 34 runs with a strike rate of 73.91, demonstrating how challenging the circumstances have been for batters.
Shivam Dube on his innings against USA
Shivam Dube stepped out to bat for India, who were 39/3 against the USA and chasing a tough score of 111. However, after a slow start, Dube hit 31* off 35 balls, and his undefeated 72-run stand with Suryakumar Yadav (50*) clinched India’s victory.
Here’s how the southpaw described his innings:
“All the support staff and coaches backed me and told me, ‘It’s difficult, but you have the ability to hit sixes, so apply it.’ I’ve never doubted myself for what I’ve done in the past. I just think that these conditions do not demand what I’ve done at CSK. These conditions require a different approach, so I was batting differently today.”
Shivam Dube
Dube’s ability to bash spinners is perhaps why he was chosen over Rinku Singh for India’s T20 World Cup team. His form and six-hitting ability will be critical when India plays its Super 8 games in the West Indies.
