• Source:JND
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All-rounder Shivam Dube struck an unbeaten 60* off 40 balls to hand India a comfortable six-wicket win with 15 balls to spare in the first T20I against Afghanistan on Thursday. India took the 1-0 lead in the three-match series as Rohit Sharma returned to captaincy with a bang.

Dube's knock included two sixes and five fours while he also returned with the figures of 1-9 in his two overs. He, who was awarded Player of the Match award for his all-round performance in Mohali, got a chance in the playing 11 after being on the bench for the entire five-match T20I series against Australia.

After the match, Dube credited Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni for his finishing knock on his T20I comeback.

"I had been waiting for a long time for an opportunity to play. I was keeping myself ready so that I was prepared to take the chance that came along. When I came into bat, I wanted to implement what I have learnt from MS Dhoni about finishing games," Dube told host broadcaster Sport18 in an interview after the match.

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Dube had a sparkling IPL 2023 with CSK under Dhoni's captaincy as the Chennai-based franchise lifted their fifth title in the tournament. He contributed 418 runs in 16 games including three half-centuries at 158.33 strike rate.

Sharing his experience of playing with Dhoni, the all-rounder said the legendary wicketkeeper-batter's insights gave 'confidence' in his batting.

"I keep speaking to Mahi bhai. I keep learning a lot from him. He tells me about how to tackle different situations. He has given me two-three tips and rated my batting. So, I feel if he rates my batting then I’ll keep playing well. My confidence went up because of that. I have also been working on my bowling for a long time. The changes have not come suddenly. I waited for an opportunity and got it today and bowled well," Dube said.

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When asked about drawing similarities between Rohit and Dhoni's captaincy, Dube said, "Both allow me to bat higher in the order! There’s a lot of work to be done and I know they will back me and want me to do well. So that makes me feel a lot more positive."

He further added that it is his dream to play T20 World Cup 2024 for India.

"It’s a dream for every cricketer to contribute and help his country win. So that’s always at the back of the mind. But there’s a lot of time left for it, so I want to take it step by step," Dube said.

The second T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 14.