CSK’s Shivam Dube says MS Dhoni helps him improve as cricketer

All-rounder Shivam Dube said Monday that playing under former India captain MS Dhoni was a great learning experience that helped him improve as a cricketer.

The 29-year-old cricketer was purchased by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Rs 4 crore during the IPL mega auction earlier this year.

When asked why his team failed to qualify for the IPL 2022 playoffs, the left-handed batter said the team gave it their all but fell short.

Nonetheless, Dube said he learned a lot while playing for the Yellow giants. The all-rounder got to bat alongside the former India captain and received bowling tips.

“Playing under MS Dhoni was a great learning experience,” Dube told IANS. “He is a role model and mentors to the entire team. Playing with him helped me a lot and I could see my performance get better.”

Dube's tournament performance had its positives and negatives. The CSK all-rounder scored a few game-winning runs but was criticised for his sub-par bowling.

Dube acknowledged the criticism directed at him saying, “Whenever I step on the pitch, I try to give my best but sometimes it’s just not your day.

“There have been instances wherein I have performed very well with the bat but not done well in bowling.”

Due to the influx of new talent, Dube has fallen off the radar of selectors. However, he hopes to return to the national team and produce match-winning performances for India.

Dube said that in preparation for the upcoming season, he had been practising every day to hone his skills.

“My ultimate goal is to be part of the Indian cricket team again and win matches for my country. I am training every single day, following a strict nutrition programme and making improvements,” Dube said.

“I am gearing up for the upcoming season and planning to put on a mind-blowing performance. Let’s see how it goes."

Dube’s view of MS Dhoni

Dube also participated in Dhoni’s retirement anniversary. Dube recalled how he was taken aback when he first met Dhoni.

“One of the biggest things in my life was when I saw him for the first time at the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” he said. “I wasn’t able to talk to him. I never get nervous talking to others but when I saw him, he walked past me, I was not able to greet him.

“The best thing about being in his team is that your confidence increases while the pressure of the game decreases."

Dube’s record

Dube previously played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 and Rajasthan Royals for two years before playing with CSK in IPL 2022.

In November 2019, the all-rounder made his international debut against Bangladesh in a T20 match.

Dube scored 289 runs in 11 IPL 2022 matches, with an average of 28.90 and a strike rate of 156.21. He was CSK's second-highest run-scorer this season.

Dube stole the show when he smashed five sixes in an over on the final day of the Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Baroda on December 17.

In a frustrating outing for CSK against the Punjab Kings XI, Chennai's top order crumbled while chasing a target of 181 runs. After 5.3 overs, the team had lost four batters and had only 23 runs on the board.

Dube was the only member who could leave with a sense of accomplishment, batting at number six alongside the veteran Dhoni while recording 58 runs in 30 deliveries.

Gian Chacko

Sports enthusiast with love for cricket, football and sports in general. Holds 10+ years of following and writing about sports and lately also betting.