New Delhi: India all-rounder Shivam Dube reflected on his growing confidence and skill development following a blistering 50-ball half-century in the fourth T20I against New Zealand, despite India’s 50-run defeat in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Coming in at No. 6, Dube showcased his power-hitting prowess, scoring 65 off just 23 deliveries, including 36 runs against spin at a strike rate of 400, making it the third fastest T20I fifty by an Indian men’s player.
Dube attributed his improvement to consistent match exposure and developing a strong, situational mindset. “Playing regularly in different scenarios has helped me understand what bowlers might deliver and how to adapt. That’s crucial for both my batting and bowling,” he said. He credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for giving him opportunities to bowl, which he said has helped him become smarter in reading the game.
Highlighting the importance of experience, Dube said, “I get to bat, bowl, and contribute in every match. That exposure helps me learn and improve continuously. I focus on enhancing my strengths while understanding where I can create pressure in different phases of the game.”
Dube’s innings particularly targeted New Zealand’s spinners, with seven sixes, including a dominant 12th over against Ish Sodhi where he scored 29 runs. “There was no set plan at that moment. It was instinctive. I knew the bowler would eventually bowl a loose delivery, and I wanted to take charge and dominate the over,” he explained.
With India having already secured the series, Dube emphasized the importance of finishing on a strong note in the fifth and final T20I in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. His performance highlighted not just his big-hitting ability but also the impact of game experience and strategic mindset in high-pressure situations.
