Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has showered praise on Shivam Dube after India claimed a 17-run win against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Dube scored a fine knock of 66 runs off just 31 balls, with the help of four fours and six maximums. Thus, he played an instrumental role in helping India post 193 runs on the board.
The left-hander scored his runs at a blistering strike rate of 212.90 and batted at the top of his game. The southpaw completed his fifty off just 25 balls and Chopra noted that Dube is hitting sixes off the short balls, which was his weakness in the past.
Furthermore, Dube registered figures of 2-35 in three overs he bowled against the Dutch.
“India were surrounded by problems, 69/3 at one stage, and it’s absolutely important to talk about who came after that. He goes by the name of ‘Shaktimaan’ Dube. He has the power and he shows it as well. He has shown that consistently in this tournament at different stages. Of course, he got out in the first match against USA. However, Pakistan and this match, and don’t take this match lightly, because we were stuck,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“You have to make the most of your opportunity. Shivam Dube has really impressed me. His level of six-hitting is incredible. A spinner has no idea where to bowl if you can hit sixes against spin without moving. Now he also hits sixes off short balls. If you bowl at the stumps, be ready to get the ball brought back from the stands,” he added.
Chopra highlighted that Dube is shining late in his career after having a topsy-turvy career.
“How has Shivam Dube improved his game? There was pressure on him. He had left cricket at one stage. There was a four to five-year period when he didn’t play cricket at all. He left cricket because he was unable to do it. Then he started playing. He is a late bloomer,” he said.
The renowned commentator said Dube has significantly improved his game and he has the fire in himself.
“Then there were problems, bouncers were an issue, and Mumbai weren’t playing him, but he kept improving and making his identity. He kept making everyone realize his ability, because the guy has the fire,” Chopra observed.
India will take on South Africa in their opening game of the Super 8 stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday.
