The highly anticipated India vs Afghanistan T20 International series formally kicked off yesterday in Mohali. The renowned IS Bindra Stadium hosted the opening affair of the three-match series, which witnessed complete domination from the Men In Blue. Bowling first, hosts India restricted Afghanistan to a below-par total of 158 before chasing it down with 15 balls to spare.
Shivam Dube, the ace left-handed campaigner, starred for India in Mohali with an all-round performance. Dube claimed one wicket while conceding just 9 runs off 2 overs with the ball and topped it up with a formidable fifty in the run chase. The southpaw remained unbeaten after scoring 60 runs off just 40 deliveries, helping India breeze past a tricky run chase.
Shivam Dube, The Star. 🇮🇳
– Dube won the Player of the match in his return match for India. pic.twitter.com/0IVsaGXxbC
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2024
Shivam Dube: I Wanted To Implement What I Had Learned From Ms Dhoni
Shivam Dube acknowledged Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni’s mentorship following his Mohali heroics against Afghanistan. Speaking to Jio Cinema after the match, Dube stated that Dhoni regards his batsmanship very highly, before revealing that the wicketkeeper has advised him extensively on finishing games in T20 cricket.
“When I came to bat, I wanted to implement what I had learned 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 or three tips and rated my batting highly. So, if he rates my batting highly, then I will keep playing well. My confidence went up because of that.”
Shivam Dube: "MS Dhoni helped me upgrade my game". pic.twitter.com/PeuAeRurZq
— ` (@rahulmsd_91) January 11, 2024
Here’s what Shivam Dube told JioCinema while comparing the captaincy styles of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni
“Both (Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni) 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. Rohit always tells me that he believes me to get the job done in any situation. So, that makes me feel a lot more positive,”