(Cricket News) Against Afghanistan in the last two Twenty20 Internationals, all-rounder Shivam Dube has been outstanding at the bat. In Mohali, the 30-year-old hammered 60* runs off 40 deliveries, while in Indore, Dube scored 63* runs off 32 deliveries, helping the side win by six wickets. Cricket pundits have praised his incredible hitting, and the Mumbai native has given credit for his IPL team’s success to captain MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings.

He was signed by the five-time champions in 2022, and he has had a major influence ever since. With 418 runs in 16 IPL games in 2023, Dube was a major contributor to CSK’s championship victory.

Shortly after, he returned to India and has been a formidable presence ever since. In retrospect, Dube said that CSK provided him a lot of self-assurance and faith in his skills, which enabled the cricket player to play his style in the shortest format.

“Mahi bhai and the CSK team deserve this recognition. I’ve always owned the game, but CSK removes it from the player. They have so given me that assurance. They told me they thought I could score runs in the Indian Premier League. Hindustan Times cited Dube as saying, “People like Hussey and Fleming said they had faith in me and that I could do what they wanted.”

“He (MS Dhoni) informed me that I could bat well while I was with CSK. But be wise, he told me. I so concentrated on my shortcomings and my strong points,” he continued.

Notably, Dube and Hardik Pandya are directly vying for a berth in the squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which starts on June 1. The outcome of the next Indian Premier League season could have a significant impact on Dube’s future on the international scene.

See more: Rohit Sharma Equals MS Dhoni’s Record for most T20I Wins as Captain.