Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad thanked MS Dhoni for working on Shivam Dube’s game in the build-up to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Repaying his faith on Tuesday, Dube hit hard for s ensuring the Super Kings posted a mammoth target for the 2022 winners, Gujarat Titans (GT) in match no.7 of the tournament. In the rematch of last year’s final, Dube extended Dhoni’s stay at the dugout as Chennai reached 206-6 in the 20-over contest.
With CSK try young gun Sameer Rizvi at position no.6, Dhoni was not used as a hitter in the recently concluded game. Although fans didn’t get to see Dhoni do his trademark with the bat at Chepauk, the CSK icon was on his feet when Dube completed his rapid-fire half-century. It was raining for six hours and Dhoni had the best seat in the house. Dube tormented the GT bowlers at the famous MA Chidambaram Stadium. Rallying behind Dube from the stands, Dhoni was seen applauding the CSK left-hander for his blazing knock.
MS Dhoni reacts after Shivam Dube hits half-century against GT
While New Zealand Rachin Ravindra set the tone with his 46 points, Dubé took over and won the only 50 points of the competition. Dube smoked five sixes and scored two boundaries in his entertaining knock against Gujarat Titans. Gaikwad (46), Ravindra (46) and Dube (51 off 23 balls) took CSK to a winning total. Dube batted at a strike rate of 221.74 against the former IPL champions.
“This franchise is different”: Dubé
In response, Shubman Gill’s GT mustered 143-8 to lose the match by 63 runs. Two-time star CSK moved to the top spot after beating GT at home. “This franchise is different from all the others. This franchise gives me freedom and I also want to win matches for them. I’ve been working that way too – it helps me, I know they’re going to play short balls and I’m ready for that. They want me to implement a higher strike rate and I want to do it,” Dubé said.
Dhoni personally worked on Dube’s game
Dhoni-starrer CSK won their first two matches of the season. CSK will next meet Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals in Match No. 13 of IPL 2024 in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. “When he (Dube) came here, the management worked with him personally, Mahi Bhai worked with him personally. He knows what role he plays and which bowler to take on. A big plus for us,” the CSK skipper said Gaikwad after the match. .