Dube was bought by RR for a whopping Rs 4.40 crores during the IPL 2021 auction in February.
Shivam Dube, the Mumbai-based all-rounder who featured in one ODI and nine T20s for India, will be playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and is excited to learn from RR’s Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara.
While talking to PTI about working with the Sri Lankan legend, Dube said, “He (Sangakkara) has played a lot of cricket and he is going to watch me and going to tell me what I need to add in my game to improve and to be a better left-handed batsman.”
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Dube then went on to add that he is looking forward to getting some “extra-tips” from Sangakkara by saying, “Many things would be there, but from a batting perspective, it would be more from my side to get some extra tips from Sanga (Sangakkara), so I can perform well in the tournament.”
After the IPL auction, Sangakkara had made it clear that Dube’s batting will be the main focus and will occasionally be bowling a few overs if at all.
When asked about his batting position, the 27-year-old said, “I think, I have played at many positions, so I don’t care much about what I can do, I care much about what teams needs from me.”
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“So, if they want me to bat up the order, I can bat at any number, early in the innings, and if they want me as a finisher in any game, I can do that also. I have played the roles in many formats, like many tournaments of the IPL and domestic and Indian teams also, so I am really free about that,” he added.
Rajasthan Royals, who had won the inaugural title in 2008, will start their IPL 2021 campaign against Punjab Kings on April 12.
(With PTI inputs)