Exclusive! How Shivam Dube Became a World Cup Hero: Childhood Coach Satish Samant Throws Insights

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Mumbai, Jul 12: Team India has once again ascended to the pinnacle of cricket after Rohit Sharma and his spirited band clinched the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in a thrilling final against South Africa. The victory, celebrated by millions, marks a significant milestone in Indian cricket history.

Team India's performance in the marquee competition was nothing short of inspirational as they silenced critics with their dominant show and unbeaten streak in the West Indies and the USA.

All-rounder Shivam Dube was also one of the most criticised Indian cricketers during the competition as many believed the left-handed batter from Mumbai didn't deserve to be in the squad and the voices only grew louder when he was dismissed for 0 and 3 in the first two league games.

But the team management backed the tall Mumbaikar and the 31-year-old reposed captain's faith by playing a vital knock in the final with his knock of 27 off 16 balls. It was Dube's effort in the middle overs that eased the pressure off Virat Kohli in the high-stakes final.

Dube played vital knocks in a tricky run chase against the USA, Bangladesh, and Australia as well but the left-handed batter was one of the soft targets on social media as Sanju Samson was present on the bench and swashbuckler Rinku Singh was in the travelling reserves.

However, the Chennai Super Kings' hard-hitter preferred to respond with his bat and played his part to help the Men In Blue win the elusive silverware after a gap of 17 years.

In the aftermath of this momentous achievement, myKhel spoke with Satish Samant, Dube's childhood coach, to gain insight into the journey of the talented cricketer, and the impact of MS Dhoni and CSK on his career. On comparisons between Shivam and former India star Yuvraj Singh, Satish acknowledged the similarities in their playing style. Here are the excerpts:

Q: India has become the world champion at this time and your protege Shivam Dube was part of it. How do you feel?

Ans: It's an indescribable feeling. All the hard work that has been done for years has come to fruition. After 2011, we became champions again in 2013. Last year, we came tantalisingly close, but we couldn't achieve it. However, this year, winning the World Cup is the pinnacle of success. Congratulations to the entire team and the nation for this incredible victory.

Q: Now let's talk a little about Shivam. Can you tell us about his journey?

Ans: Shivam's journey has been remarkable. He started playing cricket at around ten years old but took a break for four or five years. His father brought him back to the sport in 2011-12 at our academy. Since then, he's worked incredibly hard to hone his skills and make a mark in cricket. His dedication and resilience have been key to his success.

Q: Indian cricket rarely sees players with Shivam's height. Does this give him an advantage or pose a challenge?

Ans: I believe his height is an advantage. It gives him better reach, and bowlers have to adjust their deliveries accordingly. Taller players can leverage their height to connect with balls that might be out of reach for others, especially against spinners. Shivam has certainly used this to his benefit, allowing him to play long and powerful shots.

Q: Shivam had a significant turnaround with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. How did this transformation happen?

Ans: The maximum credit goes to his captain, MS Dhoni, and his coach at Chennai Super Kings. They believed in him, which is crucial for any player. When a player knows they have the trust of their captain and coach, they can play freely and without fear. Additionally, Chennai's pitch, which has good bounce despite being slow, suited Shivam's style. We also worked on some technical aspects at our academy, particularly his stance against short-pitched bowling, which helped him immensely.

Q: Comparisons have been drawn between Shivam and former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh. Do you see these similarities?

Ans: Yes, there are similarities in their playing style, especially with the way Shivam plays spinners and clears the ball over the ropes but he has his own unique qualities as well. I think it's a positive thing for Shivam to be compared to a player like Yuvraj and it will encourage him to learn from his achievements.

Q: Shivam faced some criticism before the World Cup. How did you and he handle this pressure?

Ans: Criticism and pressure are part of the game. When the team is selected, each player's strengths and the team's needs are considered. Shivam's performance over the last two years earned him his spot. Criticism is inevitable, but he focused on his game. During the World Cup final, he played crucial innings. It was his knock and Axar Patel's knock that made the difference for Team India. They both eased the pressure on Virat Kohli and helped the team post a respectable total on the board.

Q: Fielding was a significant factor in India's World Cup win. Can you talk about the importance of practice in this area?

Ans: Fielding is indeed a critical aspect of the game. Players like Suryakumar Yadav have shown exceptional skills, which come from rigorous practice. For instance, Yadav's spectacular catch in the final was a result of countless practice sessions. Fielding requires dedication and effort, and it can make a significant difference in a match's outcome. Our team's exceptional fielding in the final was a testament to the hard work put in by the players.

Q: What message do you have for aspiring cricketers?

Ans: The journey to becoming a successful cricketer is challenging, but with hard work, dedication, and the right guidance, it's achievable. Embrace every opportunity, learn from every experience, and never stop believing in yourself. The success of players like Shivam Dube serves as an inspiration for young cricketers. With the right mindset and effort, they too can achieve greatness.

As India celebrates its victory, the future looks bright for cricket in the country. With coaches like Satish Samant nurturing talent and players like Shivam Dube leading by example, Indian cricket is set to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.