Mindset improving, working hard on skills: Shivam Dube

India all-rounder Shivam Dube said his mindset and skills are improving after scoring a brisk half-century against New Zealand in the fourth T20I. He credited consistent opportunities and backing from the team management for his development ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Hyderabad:  Shivam Dube, who scored a brilliant half-century (65, 23b, 3×4, 7×6) against New Zealand in a lost cause in the fourth T-20 international at the ACA-VDCA Stadium here on Wednesday night, said that he was getting better with his mindset and had been really working hard for that.

“I am batting in that situation. So, all those things I know that now what’s gonna happen, what are the main thing which bowlers gonna come to me, that’s the key point for my batting and bowling as well,” said the Indian all-rounder, expected to be one of the key members of India’s campaign in the forthcoming T-20 World Cup said.

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“I am bowling thanks to Gautibhai (head coach Gautam Gambhir) and Surya (captain Suryakumar Yadav).They have given me the bowling opportunity. So, when you bowl, you become a little smart. So, I am working on that as well and yes, I am trying to develop some more skills,” Dube said in a post-match briefing.

“There is one thing when you work really hard behind in the nets, but there is something which you have to apply in the match. Yes, I have worked really hard, but there is something I have got an opportunity to bowl and bat, do everything in the match,” Dube said.

“I feel that my experience is going in the right direction.For me also, upgrading is important as I can’t be the same player as I was earlier,” he said.

“I always try to hit not just the spinners but the fast bowlers as well. Definitely, there is something where I know that this is my strength, I can give pressure to the opponents at that time. So, my mindset is very clear at that time,: Dube said. “The cricket we are playing, we know when to attack and when to defend. So, we are working in that direction. And yes, there was an opportunity when I wanted myself to attack and I did,” he said.