India all-rounder Shivam Dube credited MS Dhoni and his tips for improvement in his game and change in fortunes. This came after Dube was named Player of the Match in India’s win in the 1st T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali on January 11.
Dube picked one wicket and made 60* in 40 balls as India chased down the 159-run target with 6 wickets in hand. This means that India has a 1-0 lead in the 3-T20I series.
"When I came to bat, I wanted to implement what I have learnt from MS Dhoni about finishing games. I keep speaking to Mahi bhai. He tells me about how to tackle different situations. He has given me two or 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," Dube told 'Jio Cinema'.
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The Mumbai player was part of the India squad for the home T20I series against Australia but did not get a chance to play and was not selected for the away series against South Africa.
Dube also compared MS Dhoni’s captaincy with that of Rohit Sharma, saying that both allow him space to perform.
"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," he added.
Dube also grabbed the important wicket of Afghan captain Ibrahim Zadran (25 off 22 balls), and the pacer said he has been working on his bowling.
"The changes have not come suddenly. In the off-season, I worked a lot on my fitness. After that, I bowled a lot in domestic cricket too so things kept improving. I was able to find the right areas and also generate a decent pace," he said.
India will hope to pocket the series when they face Afghanistan in the second T20I on January 14 in Indore.
(PTI inputs)
