My confidence went up because of Mahi bhai’s advice: Shivam Dube

All-rounder Shivam Dube scored an unbeaten 60 off 40 balls and took 1/9 in the opening T20I against Afghanistan which India won by six wickets in Mohali on January 11. He was awarded the man-of-the-match and spoke exclusively to JioCinema and Sports18 experts Suresh Raina and Pragyan Ojha. 

Excerpts: 

On his return to the playing XI 

I had been waiting for a long time for an opportunity to play. I was keeping myself ready so that I was prepared to take the chance that came along. When I came into bat, I wanted to implement what I have learnt from MS Dhoni about finishing games. 

On the changes he has brought about to his batting 

I keep speaking to Mahi bhai. I keep learning a lot from him. 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. I have also been working on my bowling for a long time. The changes have not come suddenly. I waited for an opportunity and got it today and bowled well.  

On the pace with which he is bowling 

I have been bowling for a long time and was feeling that I was doing it well. In the off-season, I worked a lot on my fitness. So that helped me a lot. After that, I bowled a lot in domestic cricket too so things kept improving. I found the right areas today and also generated decent pace.  

On what skipper Rohit Sharma told him about his role in the team 

He said I’ll get to bowl depending on the situation in a game. So, I felt nice that I got that opportunity. About batting, he knows what I can do. 

On the forthcoming T20 World Cup and where he sees himself as of now 

It’s a dream for every cricketer to contribute and help his country win. So that’s 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.  

On the similarities he sees between MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as captains 

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.