Vizag, Jan 29 (.) India all-rounder Shivam Dube said he is clear about his role heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after producing a blistering half-century in India’s defeat to New Zealand in the fourth T20I on Wednesday.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, Dube struck a 15-ball fifty, the third fastest by an Indian in men’s T20Is, finishing with 65 after walking in at No. 6, in what was the standout performance for the hosts despite a 50-run loss to the Black Caps.
“I am getting better with my mindset because I am playing all these matches now,” Dube said after the game. “I am batting in those situations, so now I know what’s going to happen and which bowlers are likely to come at me. That’s the key point for my batting and bowling as well.”
The 32-year-old added that experience gained in match situations has helped him sharpen his execution. “There is one thing when you work really hard in the nets, but you have to apply it in the match. Experience has come to me, and it’s going in the right direction,” he said.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said the team combination was chosen keeping the T20 World Cup in mind, which begins on February 7.
“We purposely played six batters today. We wanted five proper bowlers and to challenge ourselves,” Suryakumar said. “If we’re chasing 180 or 200 and we’re two or three down, we wanted to see how it looks. We also wanted to give game time to all players who are part of the World Cup squad.”
The win was New Zealand’s first of the five-match series, and captain Mitchell Santner said the tour was proving ideal preparation for the global event.
“There’s no better prep than playing India in India for a World Cup,” Santner said. “It’s about getting our plans right and sorting roles ahead of the Cup.”
The fifth and final T20I between India and New Zealand will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
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