IPL 2022: MS Dhoni helped me improve my game – Shivam Dube

Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Shivam Dube gave credit to veteran MS Dhoni for helping him improve his game. Dube has been in good form in the ongoing IPL 2022 for CSK and he scored a magnificent knock of 95 runs off just 46 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Tuesday.

Dube was able to take the attack on the opposition after a sedate start to their innings. The southpaw scored five fours and eight sixes in his blistering knock as he played at the top of his game.

Dube is sharing the dressing room with MS Dhoni and he is learning a lot by playing under his tutelage. The left-hander was able to strike the ball cleanly against RCB and used the long handle to great effect.

The batter from Mumbai scored his runs at a strike rate of 206.52 and added 165 runs with Robin Uthappa to help his team post 216 runs on the board. Dube has amassed 207 runs in five matches at an average of 51.75 and a strike rate of 176.92 and he is currently the second-highest run-getter in the tournament. Thus, the youngster will look to continue his good show for CSK in the middle order.

Shivam Dube, who was awarded the Player of the Match after CSK defeated RCB by 23 runs, said in the post-match presentation, “We were looking for the first win and I am really happy that I contributed to the team. It’s an honor for me. I am more focused this time and focusing on basics. I spoke to many seniors – Mahi Bhai also helped me to improve the game. He said, ‘Just be focused, just be still, just let the skill work in the game.’ I wanted to time the ball really well. I tried to maintain my balance. Yuvi pa is always a role model for a left-hander. Many people told me that I bat like him. As the situation demands, as the captain and coach tell me, I am ready to bat anywhere.”

On the other hand, Robin Uthappa once again showed his class as he scored 88 runs for CSK, which is his highest score in the IPL. Uthappa revealed he wanted to give Shivam Dube most of the strike as the left-hander was striking the ball cleanly.

Uthappa said after the game, “We were amazed after that (Rayudu’s) catch, as much as he was. I just allowed him (Dube) to get in and get set. He has been hitting the ball well, I made sure to build a partnership with him. When Maxwell came in to bowl his third over, I felt it was the time to take him on even though it was the bigger boundary. Off-spinner bowling, so I decided to take him on. When the spinners were bowling, I tried to feed him (Dube) as much strike as possible, and when the pacers were back on, I told him to give me the strike back. He (Theekshana) has been bowling well, and he is growing in confidence with each and every game. It’s a relief to get the points, we have been working hard. There are a lot of young faces, we have injuries, and even Deepak’s not there. We have spent a lot of time together, we have gotten closer over the last few days. That was a result of staying together when we were down in the dumps.”

CSK will next take on Gujarat Titans at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Sunday.