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Shivam Dube has emerged as a standout performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, replicating his stellar form from the previous edition. Representing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dube recently showcased his explosive batting prowess by smashing a sensational 51 runs off just 23 deliveries against Gujarat Titans (GT), earning him the coveted Player of the Match accolade. This remarkable inning was preceded by a match-winning knock in CSK’s opening game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he steered his team to a convincing six-wicket victory.
The transformation from modest beginnings to IPL stardom
Dube’s journey in the IPL has seen a remarkable transformation since his debut with RCB in 2019. After being acquired by CSK in the 2022 auction following his release from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2021, Dube’s performance underwent a significant upgrade. While his stint with RCB yielded modest returns of 169 runs in 15 innings over two seasons, his one-season tenure with RR in 2021 saw a substantial improvement with 230 runs in just 9 innings.
Impactful journey with Chennai Super Kings
Since joining CSK, Dube has flourished, showcasing his ability to score briskly against both spin and pace. He has amassed over 800 runs for the defending champions, displaying a penchant for big-hitting. In his debut season with CSK, Dube notched up two fifties, accumulating a total of 289 runs in 11 innings at an impressive strike rate of 156.22. His second season with CSK saw further improvement, with his strike rate soaring to 158.33 as he smashed 35 sixes and scored 418 runs in 16 innings, playing a pivotal role in CSK’s title-winning campaign.
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AB de Villiers offers an explanation for Dube’s success with CSK
Dube’s aggressive brand of cricket has earned him accolades from former cricketers, with AB de Villiers praising his fearless approach to the game. De Villiers, who shared the dressing room with Dube at R, acknowledged that CSK’s management provided the all-rounder with the freedom to express himself, a luxury he felt was lacking in other franchises. With Dube’s explosive batting form and invaluable contributions, he has become a key asset for CSK, solidifying his position as one of the most dynamic players in the IPL.
“It’s fantastic to see Shivam like this. He never really broke free in the RCB changing room. He was quite a shy guy, worked really hard, and asked a lot of questions back in the day. I think he did a bit of learning there but never felt comfortable. He talks about being free in CSK, and that is the magic recipe that MSD, Gaikwad, Stephen Fleming, and all the guys from the past have set up over there. It’s a workhorse of a franchise that just makes it work every time, every single season, with new players who feel free to express themselves,” De Villiers said on Jio Cinema.
