On a pleasant evening in Visakhapatnam, Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube delivered a spectacular performance that showcased his evolving prowess in international cricket. His blistering 23-ball 65 against New Zealand not only electrified the stadium but also signaled a significant upgrade in his batting capabilities, particularly against pace bowling.
Mindset Evolution and Smart Cricketing
Dube, in a post-match press conference, emphasized that his recent success stems from a refined mindset and a smarter approach to the game. "I'm getting better with my mindset because I'm playing all those matches and batting in that situation," he explained. "So, I know what's going to happen, what are the main things which a bowler is going to come to me." This mental clarity, he believes, has been crucial in his development as a cricketer.
Breaking the Pace Bowling Barrier
While Dube's 29-run assault on leg-spinner Ish Sodhi captured headlines, his three sixes against pacers Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry were equally noteworthy. This performance demonstrated that he can no longer be contained by simply introducing fast bowlers, adding a new dimension to his batting that will challenge opposition strategies. Dube's improved comfort against pace has become a key asset, allowing him to apply pressure across all bowling types.
Role of Regular Game Time
The all-rounder credited his consistent opportunities in top-level cricket for this transformation. "Yes, I worked really hard, but I have got the opportunity to bowl, bat, and do everything in the match," Dube noted. "So, there is something called experience and that has come to me and that is going in the right direction." He highlighted that regular match practice has made him "smarter" in understanding his strengths and targeting specific areas during games.
Bowling Contributions and Team Support
Dube also acknowledged the role of bowling in enhancing his overall cricketing intelligence. "I'm bowling thanks to Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) and Surya bhai (Suryakumar Yadav). They have given me the bowling opportunity," he said. "So, when you bowl, you become a little smart. So, I'm working on that as well and trying to develop some more skills." This holistic involvement in both batting and bowling has contributed to his strategic growth.
Focus on Process Over Milestones
Despite achieving the third-fastest half-century in T20Is—reaching fifty in just 15 balls—Dube maintained that his focus remains on the process rather than personal records. "As a batsman, I don't think about getting 15 less balls. I just try to focus on every ball," he stated. "I was not thinking about getting a fifty in 15 balls or whatever. I was just trying to play (balls) on merit." This disciplined approach underscores his commitment to continuous improvement.
Strategic Instincts in Key Moments
Reflecting on his dominant over against Sodhi, Dube revealed the instincts that guided his performance. "I thought that, okay, it's difficult to hit spinners tonight. He (Sodhi) was bowling well," he recalled. "But I knew that even he is a little scared, he was going to bowl me the bad ball. I was ready for that. So I wanted to dominate at that time and that is what I did." This ability to read situations and capitalize on opportunities highlights his evolving game sense.
Shivam Dube's journey from a promising talent to a more complete cricketer is marked by a conscious effort to upgrade his skills and mindset. As he continues to gain experience and refine his approach, his contributions are set to become increasingly vital for the Indian cricket team in the competitive landscape of international T20 cricket.
