India’s big-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dube revealed his struggles on the two-paced pitch in New York’s Nassau County Cricket Ground in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Dube finally came amongst the runs as he scored 31* in 35 balls and added 70* runs for the fourth wicket with Suryakumar Yadav (50*) as India chased down USA’s 110 runs in 18.2 overs. With this win, India qualified for the Super 8s stage which will be entirely played in the West Indies.
"I was struggling with my form and focusing on my process. But here, there was no pressure. All the support staff and coaches backed me and told me, 'It's difficult, but you have the ability to hit sixes, so apply it.'
I've never doubted myself for what I've done in the past. I just think that these conditions do not demand what I've done at CSK. These conditions require a different approach, so I was batting differently today," Dube said about his successive failures against Ireland and Pakistan in New York.
Dube still has a long way to go before truly justifying his selection ahead of another power-hitter Rinku Singh, who is in the reserves. Dube managed just 36 runs from five innings in the IPL after he was named in India’s T20 World Cup squad.
From being nine off 15 balls, Dube finally managed to connect with an 87-metre six off Corey Anderson in the 15th over.
"It felt like (playing) Ranji Trophy. I don't think in white ball. Conditions dictate how you want to play here. You have to choose your best shot to hit a six. Today, I was waiting for that opportunity. it's not easy to come here and start hitting from ball one; you have to take your time," he admitted.
He may not have enjoyed batting on these tracks but bowling, he has certainly liked.
"Obviously, I miss six-hitting at CSK, and in India...it's difficult to bat here in these conditions and in the 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 the opportunity," he said.
"Only batting is difficult -- be it chasing or batting first. But we had a good partnership and we finished early so I would say chasing was a little easier as we won today. The ball is skidding, staying low, keeping sideways and some are coming very fast off the pitch -- it's doing all sorts of things. So, it's difficult to judge. I don't think you have ever seen this in a T20 World Cup,” Dube added.
Dube also blamed his and others' problems on the day's contests, which were held in a makeshift arena with no spectator stands.
"Because of the backdrop, it's a bit difficult. Moreover, there is a lot of light, so it's a bit difficult to judge the ball," he said.
Asked about the senior batter's lack of form, Dube said, "There is nothing I can say about Virat Kohli because I'm not Virat Kohli. His bad patch means he got out cheaply a couple of times but will come back scoring hundreds in the next three matches. We all know his game and how he plays.”
(PTI inputs)
