India’s middle-order batter Shivam Dube starred within the recent T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad, smashing 66 off just 31 deliveries to power India to 193/6. After the sport, the all-rounder acknowledged MS Dhoni for enjoying a key role in helping him overcome his issues against short-pitched bowling.
While speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Dube opened up about his earlier difficulties in handling the short ball in the course of the Indian Premier League. He admitted that despite possessing the strength, he struggled to time bouncers properly at one stage. Nevertheless, he revealed that Dhoni’s guidance helped him change his approach and mindset.
“There was a time once I got here to IPL, I used to be struggling a bit against short balls, at the moment I used to be not capable of hit them so cleanly, but then I spotted that if I actually have to dominate at this level and I actually have that power, then why should I lag due to one thing, so I worked loads on that thing in the course of the off season.”
“Mahi bhai had told me that it just isn’t obligatory that you might have to hit a six on that ball, you may hit a boundary or take a single, in order that thing was at all times in my mind that once I are available in at the beginning,” Dube said.
Shivam Dube credited MS Dhoni for improving his play against the short ball. pic.twitter.com/qRyvzpQqrl
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) February 19, 2026
Abhishek Out For Duck As Netherlands Bowl Tight Early Overs
Within the match on the Narendra Modi Stadium, India selected to bat first. Abhishek Sharma recorded his third duck of the tournament, while the Netherlands bowling unit, spearheaded by Aryan Dutt, maintained discipline in the course of the powerplay. Shivam Dube had a cautious start, managing only six runs from his first 11 balls and narrowly escaping an lbw appeal.
He soon shifted gears by attacking the spinners and benefiting from predictable variations in pace, eventually tearing into the Dutch bowling lineup. His fifty got here off just 25 deliveries and included 4 fours and 6 sixes. Together with Hardik Pandya, who chipped in with a useful 30 off 21 deliveries, Dube put together an important 119-run partnership within the last 10 overs.
India accelerated sharply on the death, piling up 75 runs in the ultimate five overs. Dube was dismissed within the nineteenth over, but by then he had already made a big impact. He also picked up 2/35 to harm the Netherlands’ chase. The Dutch finished at 176/7, as India secured a 17-run win to remain unbeaten within the tournament.
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