All-rounder Shivam Dube made a sensational return to India’s T20I team as he played a crucial 60-run* knock to help the hosts register a clinical 6-wicket win over Afghanistan on Thursday. Dube also picked up the crucial wicket of Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran on the second ball of his match.
Dube was playing for India after the Asian Games and he made sure to make a big impact ahead of the T20 World Cup as he has put up a strong case for himself as an all-rounder.
The Mumbaikar said that he was feeling the pressure of playing for the senior team after a long time.
“It was really cold. I enjoyed playing on this ground. Playing after a long time and batting at number four, there was some pressure on me,” Dube said in the post-match presentation.
WATCH: Rohit Sharma Furious at Shubman Gill After Getting Run-out For Duck on T20I Comeback
Dube further opened up on his batting approach and how he constructed his innings during the 159-run chase.
“I had one thing in my mind I had to play my game. First 2-3 balls, I feel a bit of pressure, after that, I just focus on the ball and I don’t think much on what’s going on,” he added.
The all-rounder was named Player of the Match for his ferocious knock which was laced with five fours and two sixes.
Dube, who is seen as a backup to injury-prone Hardik Pandya, used his long levers efficiently and his disdainful drives on the off side stood out. He ended the game in style with a straight six and four in the fine leg region.
Dube said he backs himself to score the big sixes in T20Is as he can accelerate at any stage of the game.
“In T20s, I know what I bat, and I know I can hit big sixes, so I can generate runs any time,” he added.
On his bowling, Dube was happy to get the job done by picking the crucial scalp of Zadran.
“Bowling, today I got the opportunity and I executed what I needed,” he added.
Comments
0 comment