[WATCH] Shivam Dube Thanks MS Dhoni For Help In Tackling Short Ball Challenge

India’s middle-order batter Shivam Dube starred in 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 game, the all-rounder acknowledged MS Dhoni for playing 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 during the Indian Premier League. He admitted that despite possessing the strength, he struggled to time bouncers properly at one stage. However, he revealed that Dhoni’s guidance helped him change his approach and mindset.

“There was a time when I came to IPL, I was struggling a bit against short balls, at that time I was not able to hit them so cleanly, but then I realized that if I have to dominate at this level and I have that power, then why should I lag because of one thing, so I worked a lot on that thing during the off season.”

“Mahi bhai had told me that it is not necessary that you have to hit a six on that ball, you can hit a boundary or take a single, so that thing was always in my mind that when I come in at the start,” 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

In the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India chose to bat first. Abhishek Sharma recorded his third duck of the tournament, while the Netherlands bowling unit, spearheaded by Aryan Dutt, maintained discipline during 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 taking advantage of predictable variations in pace, eventually tearing into the Dutch bowling lineup. His fifty came off just 25 deliveries and included four fours and six sixes. Along with Hardik Pandya, who chipped in with a useful 30 off 21 deliveries, Dube put together a vital 119-run partnership in the last 10 overs.

India accelerated sharply at the death, piling up 75 runs in the final five overs. Dube was dismissed in the 19th over, but by then he had already made a significant impact. He also picked up 2/35 to hurt the Netherlands’ chase. The Dutch finished at 176/7, as India secured a 17-run win to stay unbeaten in the tournament.

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