Shivam Dube Adapts to Tough USA Pitches, India to Rely on His Power at World Cup

Dube’s Unique Challenges in the World Cup Journey

Shivam Dube’s first-ever World Cup journey has presented him with some unique challenges. If you include the warm-up game, the Indian all-rounder spent 60 legal deliveries in the USA before finally hitting his first six of the tour. This is a stark contrast to his T20 career, where he has been hitting a six every 8 balls on average in the IPL over the last year. Overall, Dube has hit a six every 16 balls in his T20 career, a skill that earned him a spot in the World Cup squad.

Adapting to Unfamiliar Conditions

Dube is known for his love of range-hitting during practice sessions, often focusing solely on clearing the boundaries. However, the small training facilities in New York and the constant rain in Florida made it difficult for him to replicate this style of play. Despite the unfamiliar conditions, Dube embraced the challenge, recognizing that the pitches in the USA demanded a different approach to his game.

“What I have done in the past is never doubt myself,” Dube said. “What I see is these conditions don’t demand what I have done at CSK. These conditions demand a different game. So I was batting in a different way.”

India’s Reliance on Dube’s Power

Dube’s willingness to adapt and find ways to contribute to the team, even without his signature six-hitting, has impressed the management. While his arrival in the West Indies has not necessarily opened the floodgates, the pitches at Kensington Oval in Barbados have presented new challenges with their seam, swing, and occasional showers.

However, the team knows that there will come a point during this World Cup where the conditions will be more favorable for Dube’s power game. Whether it’s the high-scoring grounds in St Lucia, the main pitch at Kensington Oval, or the final, India will need Dube to unleash his six-hitting ability. The team has already provided him with the necessary feedback and support to help him quickly adapt to the changing conditions.

“Suryakumar Yadav says the captain and the management trust the batters in the middle to know which pace to aim for,” the article notes. “Dube will have the feedback from two of the most experienced batters in international cricket to fall back on, but, especially when batting first, India will rely a lot on his instinct to inform what they are aiming for.”

As the World Cup progresses, it is unlikely that Dube will have to wait 60 balls for his next six. India will be counting on him to provide that much-needed power and momentum at the right moments, making the most of his unique skillset.

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