IND vs AFG: "Learned It From MS Dhoni" - Shivam Dube After Finishing India's Run-Chase In Mohali

Shivam Dube said he learned the skill of finishing from the veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the all-rounder guided India home in the first T20I against Afghanistan at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

Dube, who last featured for India in the Asian Games in 2023, made a brilliant comeback, scoring an unbeaten 60 off 40 balls to help the Men in Blue chase down 159 with 6 wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare on Thursday (January 11) night.

While his knock included 5 fours and 2 sixes, Dube, who walked in at number with India at 28/2 in 3.5 overs, ensured he batten deep like his Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni to see off the chase.

Following the match, the all-rounder from Mumbai credited his CSK captain for his calmness under pressure and added that he wants to learn more from the legend.

"I learned it from MS Dhoni, I wanted to finish the match well. I always keep talking to Mahi bhai. He's such a big legend. I always keep learning from him. He always rates me and that gives me motivation to keep playing well," Dube said.

Apart from his knock with the bat, Dube also rolled his arm over for 2 overs, conceding just nine runs and picked up the wicket of Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran. The sight of his bowling will come as good news as India search for Hardik Pandya's cover.

During a chat with another Chennai Super Kings great Suresh Raina shared a banter moment with Dube about his bowling and how Dhoni could use his bowling skills in IPL.

"If Mahi bhai saw your bowling tonight then your 3 overs are fixed for CSK this season (laughs)," said Raina. In response, Dube said: "Mahi bhai please listen to Raina bhai (smiles)."

Earlier in the presentation ceremony, Dube said that batting at number four was pressurising for him but still stuck to his style of cricket in the cold evening in Mohali. He was also happy to be back playing for the country after spending the Australia series on the bench and being dropped for the South Africa series.

"I think it was really cold but I enjoyed playing on this ground. Playing after a long time and batting at No. 4 was a bit of pressure for me but I had one thing on my mind that I had to play my style of cricket," said Dube in post-match presentation.

"From my style, I feel a bit of pressure first 2-3 balls but after that I think about the ball and do not think too much. I know I can hit big sixes in T20s, so I know I can get runs anyway.

"(Rohit chat post game) He said I played really well and that we'll chat to improve my game in upcoming games. Today I got the opportunity and executed what I had to in bowling."

Another batter, who has been taking the finishing responsibility very well, Rinku Singh once again scored an unbeaten 16 off 9 balls to see India home alongside Dube.

Like Dube, Rinku also revealed how Dhoni has inspired him after completing the run chase, and what the legend has shared to him about batting at number 6.

"I've spoken with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), he just told me to react according to the ball, keep your calm and I just do the same thing. I don't think a lot while batting, just react to the ball," Rinku said.