"I miss six-hitting at CSK and in India"- Shivam Dube admits New York pitch in T20 World Cup reminded him of Ranji Trophy
Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube accepted that the conditions and the pitch at the Nassau Cricket County Club in New York in the ongoing T20 World Cup didn't allow him to play his natural game. Generally an explosive batter, Dube struggled in the three games that the Men in Blue played at the venue.
One of the main reasons for Dube's comeback in the Indian team was his sensational couple of seasons with the Chennai Super Kings. There, he has been used as a floater who smashes spinners almost at will and also showed his ability to hit the pacers in IPL 2024.
However, speaking to PTI, Shivam Dube explained why he had to shift to a different game plan to adapt to the New York pitch. He said:
"It felt like (playing) Ranji Trophy. I don't think in white ball. It's not easy to come here and start hitting from ball one; 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 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 opportunity."
Shivam Dube faced 46 balls in the three matches that he played in New York and only scored 34 runs at a strike rate of 73.91, suggesting how difficult the conditions have been for batters.
Shivam Dube on his innings against USA
Shivam Dube walked out to bat with India in a precarious situation against the USA at 39/3, chasing a tricky target of 111. However, after the initial struggle, Dube scored 31* off 35 balls and his unbeaten 72-run stand with Suryakumar Yadav (50*) ensured India got over the line without any further hiccups.
Here's what the southpaw said about his innings:
"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's ability to bash spinners is arguably why he got the nod ahead of Rinku Singh in India's T20 World Cup squad. His form and six-hitting will be crucial as India play their Super 8 games in the West Indies.