India’s 50-run loss in the fourth T20I against New Zealand did little to dim the spotlight on Shivam Dube’s fireworks. The all-rounder carved out 65 runs from 23 balls at No. 6, reaching fifty in a mere 15 deliveries – etching his name in T20I records as India’s third-fastest.
Dube’s post-match insights revealed a maturing mindset forged in fire. ‘Varied conditions and non-stop cricket have boosted my confidence and game-reading ability,’ he stated. This edge helps him preempt bowlers, fueling success across formats.
Spin was his playground: 36 runs at 400 strike rate, dismantling Sodhi (29 in an over) and Santner. ‘Instinct drove it; I exploited his pressure with patience,’ Dube said of the pivotal over.
Praising Gambhir and Suryakumar for bowling roles, he added, ‘It sharpens your smarts.’ Middle-overs duty demands high strike rates via smart match-ups – Dube’s specialty.
Series in pocket, India targets a clean sweep in the finale. Dube’s philosophy? Relentless improvement. ‘I evolve with every outing,’ he declared. In a team rebuilding post-legends, Dube emerges as the power-hitting anchor with brains.