Dhoni:
In the dynamic world of cricket, mentorship plays a pivotal role in shaping young talents into successful players. One such mentor-figure, the legendary MS Dhoni, has once again proven his knack for identifying and nurturing promising players.
Shivam Dube, a lanky all-rounder from Mumbai, is the latest in the line of cricketers who credit their success to Dhoni’s guidance. Dube’s journey from being on the selectors’ radar in 2019 to delivering match-winning performances for India in 2023 is a testament to the impact of Dhoni’s mentorship.
The turning point in Dube’s career came during the IPL mega auction in 2022 when he was picked by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹4 crore. The same day marked a personal milestone for Dube as he became a father.
His stint with CSK in 2022 showed promise, with a strike rate of 156.22. However, it was the following year that Dube truly made his mark, smashing an impressive 35 sixes in 16 matches for CSK during IPL 2023. His runs tally reached 418 at a strike rate of 158, making him a force to be reckoned with.
Despite the accolades, Dube’s journey back to the Indian T20I side was not without challenges. Limited opportunities and fierce competition for a spot in the playing XI kept him on the fringes.
The 30-year-old was often excluded from India’s full-strength squad, only finding a place in the team when key players were unavailable or resting. His appearances in the five matches of 2023 were due to circumstances rather than a consistent spot in the lineup.
Dube faced disappointment when he was picked for the home series against Australia post the World Cup but did not get a chance to play a single match. Surprisingly dropped from the South Africa tour, his hopes were rekindled when India sought a backup for the injured Hardik Pandya.
Dube was named in the squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan and finally got his chance on the field.
In the first match against Afghanistan, Dube delivered a stellar performance, smashing an unbeaten 60 off 40 balls, marking his career-best in T20Is. His efforts guided India to a comfortable six-wicket victory in Mohali, earning him the well-deserved title of Player of the Match. His innings included two sixes and five fours, showcasing his prowess as a dynamic batsman.
Dube, who is also known for his bowling skills, expressed his satisfaction at the opportunity to contribute with the ball. He stated, “As far as bowling is concerned, it didn’t come overnight.
I was working on it. I was waiting for the opportunity to bowl also and today when I finally got that, I made use of it.” Dube emphasized that captain Rohit Sharma has assured him of regular bowling opportunities, a positive development for the all-rounder.
Acknowledging the dream of representing the country in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, Dube maintained a pragmatic approach. He stated, “It’s every cricketer’s dream to represent the country in a World Cup. It will always be at the back of my mind, but there is a long time to go, so I would like to take it step-by-step.”
Throughout Dube’s journey, the influence of MS Dhoni has been evident. The mentorship provided by the former captain has not only honed Dube’s skills but has also instilled the confidence and resilience needed to navigate the challenging landscape of international cricket. As Dube sets his sights on future endeavors, the imprint of Dhoni’s guidance remains a crucial factor in his cricketing success.
Also read, The Day MS Dhoni Left Test Cricket: A Look Back at December 30, 2014
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