Shivam Dube, the Indian all-rounder explained about his struggles to adapt to the unconventional pitch conditions at T20 World Cup held in New York.
The two-paced tracks at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium were not too easy for Dube who compared it with playing a first-class Ranji Trophy match.
According to PTI, Dube was quoted as saying, “I was struggling with my form and focusing on my process.”
Dube said,” I had struggled with how I am going about things and how I am approaching my batting.”
However, everything changed when it came to Mumbai Indians. (They also told me no pressure for this.)
“But here there is no pressure.” They were telling me that you have very good coaches and support staff behind you. It’s difficult but you can hit sixes that’s why we brought you in this team. I never doubted what I have done in the past. These conditions don’t need what I have done back at CSK. We need a different approach for these conditions so today my batting was different he added.
Dube scored just 31 runs off 35 balls against minimal opposition from Ireland and Pakistan after having struggled initially. His knock ensured India win over USA by 5 wickets, taking them into the Super Eight stage of the competition.
On his part however, Dube still has faith on Virat Kohli’s comeback besides an optimistic approach towards their team prospects.
Commenting on teammate Virat Kohli’s poor run of form, Dube noted: “I cannot say anything about Virat Kohli because I am not him. When he goes through a rough patch he may get out twice for ducks but then score three hundreds in the next three matches…we know how he plays cricket.”
Although his performances showed a slight improvement recently, Dube understood that he had to perform better than reserve player Rinku Singh to hold his place.
“I felt like I was playing Ranji Trophy. It doesn’t come into my mind when I play white ball. You don’t just come here and start hitting from the first ball, you have to take your time. Obviously, I miss six-hitting at CSK and in India…it’s difficult to bat here in these conditions and in nets as well. It is definitely better to bowl here, I would have bowled more but was hit for a six and didn’t get opportunity,” said the all-rounder.
