Win Projections to be updated soon
Shivam Dube faced 60 legal deliveries in the USA before hitting his first six on the tour, including the warm-up game. This is a notable achievement considering his track record of hitting a six every eight balls in the IPL over the past year. Throughout his T20 career, even during periods when he wasn’t the prominent six-hitter he is now, he still managed to hit a six every 16 balls. His proficiency in hitting sixes has earned him a spot in the World Cup, although he had to wait longer than usual to hit one during the tour. Dube humorously mentioned that he has never waited this long for an opportunity in first-class cricket.
Dube has a passion for hitting sixes during practice sessions. While he works on other aspects of his game, he particularly enjoys honing his range-hitting skills. His training sessions with CSK often revolve around hitting sixes quickly once he feels prepared. Unfortunately, the limited facility in New York, where India and other teams practiced, only accommodated nets, and the incessant rain in Florida prevented outdoor practice.
Despite the challenging conditions in New York, Dube is determined not to erase those memories as it is his first World Cup experience. He acknowledges that he needs to adapt his game to the unpredictable pitch conditions and different challenges. Dube’s ability to adjust his approach based on the circumstances showcases his versatility as a batsman, beyond just being a six-hitter.
As Dube prepares for upcoming matches in the West Indies, he remains focused on adjusting to varying pitch conditions. While the nets in Bridgetown featured seam and swing, Dube chose to spend more time bowling than batting, indicating his willingness to adapt to different situations. With high-scoring grounds on the horizon, India will rely on Dube’s batting prowess to contribute significantly to their success in the tournament.
Despite the challenges posed by the conditions, Dube is expected to showcase his six-hitting skills when needed. His intuitive decision-making and ability to adjust his gameplay based on the situation will be crucial for India in high-pressure matches. As the tournament progresses, India will depend on Dube to deliver impactful performances with the bat, potentially hitting crucial sixes when required.
