All-rounder Shivam Dube dismissed concerns over Team India’s batters struggling with off-spin in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The left-handed batsman stated that there is no discussion within the team on the issue and added that the talk of off-spin will die down in the coming matches.
India recorded a 17-run win over the Netherlands in a Group A match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 18. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team registered their fourth consecutive win. They finished top of the Group A points table and booked a place in the Super 8 stage.
There’s no talking because… – Shivam Dube on India’s struggle against off-spin
At a post-match press conference, Shivam Dube was asked about India’s struggle against off-spin. He said the topic is not discussed within the team and described it as a normal part of batting. Dube stated that one well-executed shot can end the conversation off spin.
“Nothing. It’s not talked about because sometimes some batters can’t hit some balls. It’s one shot. They start hitting that one shot and there won’t be any talk about off-spin in the next few matches,” Dube said.
The defending champions struggled with off-spin bowling throughout the group stages. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus took four wickets against them, while Saim Ayub and Aryan Dutt also enjoyed success with off-spin against the Men in Blue.
If you don’t get a boundary… – Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube played a knock of 66 off 31 balls. He started cautiously, taking eleven balls to get his first boundary, but once he found his rhythm, he dominated the attack. Dube hit four fours and six sixes before running out to Logan van Beek.
Dube said he remains confident even if the boundaries don’t come early. He pointed out that with a wicket down, building a partnership was more important than rushing. Dube added that he trusts his ability to make amends quickly with big hits.
“If you don’t get a boundary, there is pressure on you. But I know that even if I am on two balls out of 10, I can hit two sixes in the next five. There was a wicket. So it was important that we build a partnership. For that, if you take two to four balls extra, it is okay,” Dube opined.
If we don’t get the start we want… – Shivam Dube
The India all-rounder backed captains Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma after questions were raised over their lower strike rates in recent World Cup matches. He said the team hasn’t been getting the starts it wanted, which is forcing hitters to adjust their approach.
“The game is difficult because this is a World Cup. If we don’t get the start we want, then Tilak and Surya have to bat differently. They bat depending on the situation. If Tilak has to bat, he does. Nothing needs to be said about Surya. He can put the team in the best position,” said the all-rounder.
India’s middle order played a key role after losing the openers early. Suryakumar Yadav scored 34 runs off 28 balls at a strike rate of 121.43, while Tilak Varma added 31 off 27 deliveries at a strike rate of 114.81. India scored a total of 193/6 in 20 overs against the Dutch team.
Also read: BCCI selector exposes discrimination against Varun Chakaravarthy
#Shivam #Dube #arrogant #denies #Indias #weakness #mounting #evidence