“Never compared myself with Yuvraj Singh”: Shivam Dube

Ahead of Wednesday’s IPL 2024 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Shivam Dube clarified that, despite similar playing styles, he does not compare himself to former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. “I have never compared myself to Yuvraj Singh. I have a similar style of playing like him and people often say that I play like him,” Dube remarked in a video posted by BCCI.

Dube recounted early encouragement when he joined the Indian team, sharing insights from then-coach Ravi Shastri. “When I came to the Indian team, Ravi bhai said that you hit sixes just like Yuvraj Singh. I have seen him batting a lot. When he doesn’t score in the first 7 to 8 balls, he manages to cover it later in his innings,” said Dube.

The left-handed batter also praised the guidance he received from CSK leadership, including captain MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming. “When I came in CSK, Mahi bhai and Fleming told me to play my natural game. They have never said that start hitting from ball 1 as it is risky…,” he explained. Dube emphasized his mental preparation and his growth in reading the game, “I prepared myself mentally. I worked on what shot to play at which ball. It took time to apply this but later it happened eventually, so I think, I am set now. I watch the ball really well. As the ball hits the bat, then I can feel that it has connected really well and that it will go for six.”

Dube also touched on a recent T20I series against Afghanistan and the advice he received from Rohit Sharma. “When I played the T20I series against Afghanistan, Rohit bhai said that you will be doing both batting and bowling. So I was focusing on both as I have to express myself,” Dube concluded.

In his current IPL season, Dube has been a formidable force for CSK, scoring 350 runs in nine matches at an average of 58.03 and a strike rate of 172.41, including two half-centuries. His highest score this season is an unbeaten 66, making him the second-highest scorer for his franchise after captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.