All-rounder Shivam Dube dismissed concerns about Team India’s batters struggling against off-spin in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The left-handed batter stated that there is no discussion within the team about the issue and added that the talk around off-spin will disappear in the upcoming matches.
India secured 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 sealed their fourth consecutive victory. They finished on top of the Group A points table and booked a place in the Super 8 stage.
There Is No Talk Because… – Shivam Dube on India’s Struggles Against Off-Spin
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Shivam Dube was asked about India’s struggles against off-spin. He said that the topic is not discussed inside the team and described it as a normal part of batting. Dube stated that one well-executed shot can end the talk around off-spin.
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“Nothing. There is no talk because sometimes some batters cannot hit some balls. It’s just about one shot. They start hitting that one shot and there will be no talk about off-spin in the coming matches,” Dube said.
The defending champions struggled against off-spin bowling throughout the group stage. 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.
When You Don’t Get A Boundary… – Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube played a knock of 66 off 31 balls. He began cautiously and took 11 balls to hit his first boundary, but once he found his rhythm, he dominated the attack. Dube struck four fours and six sixes before getting out to Logan van Beek.
Dube said that he stays confident even if boundaries do not 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 up for it quickly with big hits.
“When you don’t get a boundary, there is pressure on you. But I know that even if I am on two off 10 balls, in the next five, I can hit two sixes. There was a wicket. So it was important that we built a partnership. For that, it’s okay if you take an extra 2-4 balls,” Dube opined.
If We Don’t Get the Start We Want… – Shivam Dube
The India all-rounder backed captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma after questions were raised about their lower strike rates in recent World Cup games. He said that the team has not got the starts it wanted, which forces batters to adjust their approach.
“The game is difficult since this is a World Cup. If we don’t get the start we want, then Tilak and Surya’s have to bat differently. They bat according to the situation. If Tilak has to hit, he does it. About Surya, nothing needs to be said. He can put the team in the best position,” the all-rounder said.
India’s middle order played a key role after losing the openers early. Suryakumar Yadav scored 34 runs from 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 posted a total of 193/6 in 20 overs against the Dutch side.
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