India vs West Indies 2019: Shivam Dube focused to perform for India, not looking to replace Hardik Pandya
All-rounder Shivam Dube has expressed his intent to do well for India in the upcoming T20I and ODI series against West Indies. The 26-year-old stated that he isn't looking to replace the injured Hardik Pandya in India's shorter formats.
Hardik Pandya has been out from cricket for more than a month due to his back injury. He underwent surgery in England and is in rehabilitation for the time being. On that note, Dube got picked for India as he looks to make a statement in the upcoming matches.
I think I have got a chance and I will try to do well for my country. I have got a job for my country and I will try to do that better. I don’t think it’s an opportunity to replace Hardik.
The Mumbai-born all-rounder revealed how skipper Virat Kohli and the rest of the teammates were supportive to him and uplifted his morale.
Everyone is supporting me. The support from captain and the team management was really good for me. They gave me a lot of confidence. So, I feel really happy and relaxed in the dressing room.
Shivam Dube got selected in the T20I series against Bangladesh, which was his maiden stint in the national colours. Although he didn't get enough chances to depict his ability, Dube took 3/30 in the final T20I against Bangladesh that helped India to seal the series by a 2-1 margin.
Dube noted how he worked hard to maintain his fitness and his preparation ahead of T20 games.
It’s always difficult being an all-rounder. Most important for me is to maintain my fitness levels because as an all-rounder, you need to both bat and bowl. So, maintaining fitness is really a difficult job.
I am very confident of my bowling. In T20 games, every bowler gets a bad as well as a good game. So, I try to prepare myself in very good situations and I feel that I can be a proper bowler who can bowl four overs. I have done that job.
When quizzed about the upcoming West Indies tour, Dube replied how facing the Carribean side will not be easy, but the team is confident to take up the challenge.
They (West Indies) have got a good T20 side but we have prepared very nicely. I think India is the best team in world cricket and we will win the series.
India will host the West Indies in 3 T20Is and 3 ODI series, as the first T20I will get played in Hyderabad from December 6th.