Shivam Dube reveals 'no pressure' from Rohit Sharma despite Rinku Singh's presence; drops 'felt like Ranji Trophy' remark on playing in NY

Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube admitted that the two-paced pitches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 matches posed a significant challenge to him.

Dube failed to read the conditions and live up to the hype, facing only two balls without opening his account against Ireland and then managing only three runs off nine balls against Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. However, the CSK star managed to find his grip and played an unbeaten knock of 31 runs off 35 balls against the USA.

Shivam Dube overcomes early setbacks to help India reach the Super-8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

After helping the Indian cricket team beat the USA by seven wickets to qualify for the Super-8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, Dube, known for his big-hitting prowess, compared the experience of playing on the tricky surface of New York to playing in a Ranji Trophy match.

With the next phase of the tournament set to be held entirely in the West Indies, Dube reflected on his recent struggles and the adjustments he had to make in New York. Dube admitted his challenges with his form against Ireland and Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

He also revealed that there was no pressure from the support staff and coaches despite his poor performances in the first two matches; rather, they encouraged him to lift his ability to hit sixes despite the challenging conditions at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

Dube further revealed that his usual approach at CSK did not suit the pitches in New York, but he adapted his batting strategy accordingly. However, his determination and adjustments helped him regain confidence and contribute to India’s win over the USA in the crucial Group A match.

Shivam Dube reveals adjusting strategy to conquer New York’s challenging pitches

Shivam Dube was quoted as saying by PTI: “I was struggling with my form and focusing on my process. But here, there was no pressure. All the support staff and coaches backed me and told me, 'It's difficult, but you have the ability to hit sixes, so apply it.' I've never doubted myself for what I've done in the past. I just think that these conditions do not demand what I've done at CSK.

These conditions require a different approach, so I was batting differently today. It felt like the Ranji Trophy. I don't think in white ball. Conditions dictate how you want to play here. You have to choose your best shot to hit a six. Today, I was waiting for that opportunity. It's not easy to come here and start hitting from ball one; you have to take your time.”

Well, Dube missed six-hitting at CSK and in India during his debut World Cup, but he loved bowling in New York. However, the all-rounder said he would have bowled more, but he didn’t get the opportunity after being hit for a six. At the end, Dube signed off by saying about his struggles: “I won't delete this from my memory because this is my first World Cup.”