In the high-stakes cauldron of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Shivam Dube has emerged as one of India’s most dependable match-winners. But behind the explosive 31-ball 66 that powered India to victory against the Netherlands on Wednesday (February 18) lies a story of mentorship, mindset shift, and three simple words from the man who has defined cricketing wisdom for a generation: MS Dhoni .
The Indian all-rounder, who was named Player of the Match for his game-changing performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium, revealed in a post-match conversation that Dhoni’s advice fundamentally altered his approach to facing short-pitched deliveries – a vulnerability that once threatened to derail his international career.
MS Dhoni’s mantra that helped Shivam Dube conquer short balls
Speaking to host broadcasters after India’s 17-run victory against the Netherlands, Dube opened up about the crucial conversation that transformed his batting philosophy. When struggling against short balls early in his IPL career, Dhoni offered characteristically simple yet profound counsel .
“Mahi bhai had told me that it isn’t 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 revealed.
This advice – essentially “don’t attack the short ball” – ran counter to the natural instincts of a power-hitter. Dube admitted that batters struggling against a particular delivery often believe the only way to overcome it is by smashing it for a six .
Dube’s technical journey: From vulnerability to strength
Dube’s struggles against short-pitched deliveries were well-documented early in his career. Despite possessing immense power and being one of the tallest cricketers in the Indian setup, the left-hander often looked uncomfortable against quality fast bowling exceeding 140 km/h.
“There was a time when I came to IPL, I was struggling a bit against short balls, at that time I wasn’t able to hit them so cleanly,” Dube recalled. “But then I realised 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.”
The transformation involved extensive practice with sidearms, but Dube emphasized that the mindset shift proved more crucial than technical adjustments . The results have been dramatic – his average against short balls improved from 23.5 during the 2021-22 period to 84 in 2023 .
The Dhoni-CSK connection: A partnership that transformed Dube’s cricketing career
Dube has been part of the Chennai Super Kings setup since IPL 2022, forging a bond with Dhoni that remains strong to this day. While Dhoni’s illustrious playing career may be nearing its final chapter, his mentorship continues to yield dividends for Indian cricket .
“This credit goes to Chennai Super Kings and Mahi bhai because I always had this game in me,” Dube had earlier said during the Afghanistan series in 2024. “They have brought out the best in me. They have always encouraged me and said that they believe in me. Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey have shown faith in me.”
The CSK think-tank’s willingness to promote Dube in the batting order and back him despite initial struggles created an environment where he could implement Dhoni’s advice without fear of failure.
Dube delivers a match-winning performance against Netherlands at T20 World Cup 2026
The wisdom of Dhoni’s counsel was on full display during India’s final group-stage match against the Netherlands. Coming in with India struggling at 74 for 3 after 10 overs, Dube started slowly, scoring just six runs off his first 11 deliveries and even surviving a close lbw call.
Instead of panicking or attempting to dominate immediately, he remained patient, rotated strike, and waited for scoring opportunities – exactly as Dhoni had advised. The approach paid spectacular dividends as he then targeted the spinners and capitalized on predictable changes of pace.
Dube’s half-century came off just 25 balls, featuring four boundaries and six sixes. Alongside Hardik Pandya, he stitched a crucial 119-run stand in the final 10 overs, with India scoring 75 runs in the last five overs alone. He eventually fell in the 19th over for 66 off 31 balls, but the damage had been done.
To complete a memorable all-round performance, Dube also contributed figures of 2 for 35 with the ball, further denting the Netherlands’ chase.
