Know MS Dhoni's Secret That Changed Shivam Dube's Life

Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who led Team India in 2007 and 2011 World Cup victories, has helped many young cricketers to deliver their best at the international level and is also the man behind Shiv Dube's great transformation. Shivam Dube proved his metal by scoring back-to-back half-centuries against Afghanistan in the three-match T20 series. Dube played Afghanistan's world-class spinner effortlessly and batted like a mature batsman.

In a cricket chat show on Jio Cinema, former cricketer Abhinav Mukund said that a small piece of advice by MS Dhoni changed Shivam Dube's batting approach. "A little birdie told me that Dube had a chat with former skipper and he (MS Dhoni) told him - not rocket science - don't attack the short ball," Mukund said.

Shivam Dube, in the post-match conversation at the Holkar stadium, also shared his view on playing the short ball. He said "I have worked a lot on it. When I was playing domestic cricket, I was able to dominate all the bowlers, but when it came to IPL and Indian cricket it was not easy as bowlers were bowling over 140km/hr." "I worked a lot with side arms, but it is more about the mindset with which I worked."

"It's a pleasure to keep improving my performance as I am going along. The range I have is god's gift and I have also worked a lot on it. I have developed many areas of my game and I am getting the runs on the board," Shivam Dube said.

Dube noted matched winning 63 runs off 32 balls studded with four sixes and five boundaries to help India chase 173 run target.

"In the past, I have thought a lot about the future. But I have realized that I have to focus on the present. I have to focus on how to improve my skills, so that's more important to me. I just try to keep myself grounded and try to focus on what I have to do," the left-hander said while answering how hard it is to focus on the present game and not to take the pressure of the forthcoming World Cup.

Giving credit to MS Dhoni for his success, Dube said, "This credit goes to Chennai Super Kings and Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) because I always had this game in me." "They have brought out the best in me. They have always encouraged me and said that they believe in me. Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey have shown faith in me."