Shivam Dube credits MS Dhoni guidance for improving strike rotation, handling pressure in T20 World Cup

Shivam Dube revealed how guidance from MS Dhoni and off-season practice helped him improve strike rotation, manage pressure, and bat smartly in the IPL and T20 World Cup. The all-rounder focuses on balancing boundaries with responsibility in death overs.

Hyderabad: Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube, who has been playing a major role in India’s winning streak in the on-going T-20 World Cup, said that when he first came into the IPL, he struggled against fast bowlers and wasn’t striking the ball cleanly.

“I realised that if I want to dominate at this level and I have the power, I need to work on that aspect. I put in significant effort during the off-season,” Dube said in a chat on JioHotstar.

---

“Mahi Bhai (former India captain MS Dhoni) advised me that it isn’t necessary to hit sixes every time. Boundaries and strike rotation are equally important. That clarity has helped me,” he said.

“ If I get a good ball, I look for a boundary or rotate strike. In the death overs, I will naturally go harder, but early in the innings my focus is on smart intent,” Dube said.

On managing high-pressure situations, Dube said: “I don’t feel pressure; I focus on the situation. If wickets fall, my responsibility is to bat deep. If I stay till the end, I know I can add 10–15 crucial runs in the final over.”

“ I avoid taking unnecessary risks in the middle overs. If the situation demands stability, I rotate strike. If the platform is set, I’m ready to attack from the first ball,” the big-hitting all-rounder said.