'I Keep Speaking to Mahi Bhai': How Lessons from Dhoni Helped Dube Score a Match-Winning Fifty vs AFG

Team India kicked off the bilateral series against Afghanistan with a 6-wicket win in Mohali on Thursday. All-rounder Shivam Dube smashed an unbeaten 60 off 40 balls to take India home in the chase of 159. His ravishing innings, which included five boundaries and a couple of sixes, also earned him the Player of the Match award.

Following the conclusion of the game, Dube spoke to the broadcasters during which he spoke about the guidance he has been seeking from MS Dhoni. The all-rounder credited the former Indian skipper for the transformation in his attitude and approach.

“When I came to bat, I wanted to implement what I have learnt from MS Dhoni about finishing games. I keep speaking to Mahi bhai. He tells me about how to tackle different situations. He has given me two-three tips and rated my batting. So, I feel if he rates my batting then I’ll keep playing well. My confidence went up because of that,” Dube told JIO Cinema.

Dube’s previous appearance for India was in last year’s Asian Games at Hangzhou. He was part of the India squad for the home T20I series against Australia but did not get a chance to play and was not selected for the away series against South Africa.

The Mumbai player also found shades of Dhoni in the way Rohit Sharma captained the side, and allowed him the space to perform.

“Both allow me to bat higher in the order. There’s a lot of work to be done and I know they will back me and want me to do well. So, that makes me feel a lot more positive,” he added.

Before stepping up with the bat, Dube also grabbed the important wicket of Afghan captain Ibrahim Zadran. The former said he has been working on his bowling as well.

“The changes have not come suddenly. In the off-season, I worked a lot on my fitness. After that, I bowled a lot in domestic cricket too so things kept improving. I was able to find the right areas and also generated a decent pace,” he said.

Like every other youngster who played for India in the past 12-13 months, Dube is also optimistic about his chances of finding a place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in June.

“It’s a dream for every cricketer to contribute and help his country win. So, that’s (selection for WC) always at the back of the mind. But there’s a lot of time left for it, so I want to take it step by step,” Dube said.

(With PTI Inputs)