‘He has done the job us in the middle over’ – MS Dhoni lauds Shivam Dube for chipping in with valuable runs in middle order for CSK

With the tournament approaching its fag end, every match from here becomes a lot more important as none of the teams have actually qualified for the playoffs. Therefore, citing the intense competition in the ongoing IPL 2023, yet another must-win match saw Kolkata Knight Riders defeat Chennai Super Kings by six wickets to stay alive in the competition. Following the match, CSK skipper, MS Dhoni, expressed his happiness with the big-hitting batter, Shivam Dube.

Moreover, Dhoni praised Dube for his performance and also said that he has been doing well for the side in the middle overs by scoring some crucial runs. However, the legendary skipper did not go on to disclose the conversation that he had with the southpaw but he advised Dubey not to get satisfied with what he has achieved thus far. 

“Well we have spoken a lot (He and Shivam Dube), it should remain in the dressing room what we spoke to him. What are the areas he needs to work on. Very happy with the way he has done and it is important for him to keep continuing game after game and not get satisfied with what he has done. He has done that job for us in the middle overs to get us as many runs as possible. So, I just wish him that he keeps continuing,” Dhoni said during the post-match presentation.

The 29-year-old has been enjoying a terrific run in the tournament so far scoring 363 runs in the 11 innings that he has played so far with a healthy average of 40.33 and an impressive strike rate of 157.14. He has also scored three fifties in the tournament so far with the best score being 52 runs.

In the CSK’s latest match against the KKR, CSK won the toss and elected to bat first but suffered early jolts inside the first ten overs courtesy of some terrific spin bowling from the KKR bowlers. At one stage, the hosts were 72/5, but Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja stitched a crucial 68-run partnership to pilot their team to a respectable total. But with the dew not coming on later in the innings, KKR chased down the total barring initial hiccups with nine deliveries to spare. 

Chahar is definitely an asset: MS Dhoni

During his post-match remarks, MS Dhoni also praised Deepak Chahar for his great ability to swing the ball in both directions. He even said that having someone like Chahar in the team is an asset as the experience that he brings to the team is invaluable.

“He is somebody who swings the ball and has a fair idea of the game, where to keep the fielders and he bowls accordingly. He is definitely an asset. At times… I feel now he is very experienced to realize at times that if it is not swinging what is the length to bowl,” Dhoni concluded.