Hard-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dube has revealed that he was on cloud nine when he was picked by Chennai Super Kings in the IPL mega auction 2022.
CSK spent a hefty amount of INR 4 crores, which was eight times more than his base price, to rope in the all-rounder from Mumbai.
Dube also recalled his meeting with his idol MS Dhoni and he is looking forward to playing under his leadership. The 28-year old revealed that he was asked to work on a couple of things by Dhoni and he is working hard on the same in the practice sessions.
Dube’s life has turned for good in the last couple of months as he was blessed with a baby boy and then he was roped in by four-time champions in the IPL mega auction. CSK is currently training in Surat for the upcoming season of the IPL.
“I think you can still see the goosebumps coming out because always I’m a big fan of Mahi bhai and, especially CSK. I had a chat with Mahi bhai as recently as yesterday. He asked me to do a few things and I told him I’ll definitely get it done. When Mahi bhai asks you to do something, consider it done,” Dube told CSK.
“I was very surprised that I have got a baby boy and become a father. The 2nd big thing, again, after 4 days, I got picked by Chennai. I was dancing a bit in my room, I was really happy. I called my wife and my family. I don’t dance often but because I was happy, I was dancing,” he added.
“It was a big deal for me to get picked by Chennai. I was feeling great. I can’t express my excitement in words but I was pleasantly surprised by having been picked by CSK.”
Meanwhile, Shivam Dube had played the previous season for Rajasthan Royals. Dube had made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Dube hasn’t yet grabbed his opportunities in the IPL as he has managed only 399 runs in 24 IPL matches.
However, he had a decent run in the previous season as he scored 230 runs in nine matches. The left-handed batter added that he will look to give his best for CSK in the upcoming season.
“Although it is a different franchise for me, attitude will remain the same. I have to do my best for the team’s cause, which has always been my mission as a player and will always be that way going forward as well. I’m more confident now,” he said.
Chennai Super Kings will begin their title defense against the previous season’s runners-up Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 26.