Shivam Dube, the all-rounder from India, improved his skills in the Indian Premier League after a fantastic 2024 season, which enabled him to feature among the Men in Blue.
Dube was the second highest run-getter for Chennai Superkings with 396 runs at a strike rate of 162.29 including three fifties. In the glamorous competition, he managed to earn an important place in India’s highly competitive fifteen-men T-20 World Cup squad.
Also, throughout the tournament and until final match played against South Africa where he scored crucial 27 runs for his team as he batted at number 6 position.
He forged a vital partnership of 57-runs with Virat Kohli (76) that took India to a six-run victory over Proteas hence lifting their second T20 World Cup. The team reached up to 176/6 after twenty overs. He made just one hundred and thirty-three runs off eight innings batting as lower order batsman.
“The IPL is magnificent for players and cricket growth in India. It gives an amazing platform for youngsters to show their skills in front of audience along with best cricketers across globe. Personally IPL has been the greatest learning experience as it helps me develop my game and gain confidence,” Dube said while speaking to IANS.
“Since its formation IPL has phenomenally grown cricket in India,” he added about the contribution of IPL towards country’s cricketing journey. It has attracted new fans, popularized cricket and opened multiple doors for players at all levels. The standards of Indian cricket have been raised due to visibility and competitiveness acquired from IPL leading to what we see today on international stage.”
Dube argued that Rohit Sharma (Captain) and Rahul Dravid (Coach) greatly believed that he could perform well thereby helping him remain focused.
However when it mattered most, they were able to see his value through some outstanding displays. His 16 ball 27 in the final was crucial for India’s win.
“I have learnt a lot through this journey of World Cup. I was happy to have been able to contribute in the final match. Each game during T20 World Cup taught me something and my teammates and fans always kept pushing me forward, so it was a great experience. In the end, all that matters is giving your best to the team and making every opportunity count,” he went further.
Despite his form issues Dube finished the tournament as a regular starter. He attributed this to consistent encouragement from coach Dravid and captain Rohit in his quest for improvement towards future team success.
“It was a challenge as well as an inspiration. It tested my mental strength as well as my resilience. I must commend my captain and coach who stood by me all through this period. They were never tired of encouraging me, urging me on to be positive and keep working hard; their belief in me and guidance helped maintain concentration while also assuring self-confidence. Furthermore, it has made me stronger, more determined than ever before that I will improve myself to contribute in our team’s success,” said Dube.
Later on, Dube played three T20I matches against Zimbabwe after the T20 World Cup. This happened in one match he batted where he was able to record 26 runs. In the series also he took three wickets. By beating the series 4-1, India showed how they were the best T20 champs.
Dube won the Player of the Match award for his 12-ball 26 in last game of this series.
Dube will play his next white-ball assignment on July 27 which is against Sri Lanka.
