Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube has made an electrifying return to international cricket, winning the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies and now turning heads on the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka, where the Men in Blue are currently playing a three-match ODI series.
Dube has been getting regular opportunities in limited-overs cricket on the tour of Sri Lanka. However, the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka ended in a draw but the star all-rounder really enjoyed his first match in five years in the 50-overs format.
Shivam Dube shines in long-awaited ODI comeback during tense draw against Sri Lanka
After a long gap since his debut in 2019, Dube marked his second appearance with a thrilling performance in the opening game of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Dube’s latest outing was nothing short of spectacular as he showcased his all-round skills in a thrilling match against the hosts in Colombo.
Dube returned with an economical spell of 1/19 in 4 overs and scored 25 runs off 24 balls in the first ODI match against the Islanders in Colombo. Despite the match ending in a closely fought draw, Dube expressed immense satisfaction at his return and his continued improvement as an all-rounder.
The Indian all-rounder is now focused on maintaining his momentum and said that he needs to bowl regularly to get regular opportunities in the Indian cricket team. Talking about India’s performance, Dube defended the team’s approach saying that no team wants to lose the game; they drew the match.
It feels really good: Shivam Dube on his ODI comeback
Shivam Dube told Cricbuzz: “It feels really good every time you play for your country. I played my first match in 2019; I will have my second match in 2024, a long time ago. It feels really good. We played really well; at some point, we lost wickets. Every team wants to win the match; we didn’t lose the match and we drew. I need to bowl regularly; I am working on it; there is a good feeling for my team as well; I am enjoying it.”
Speaking about the ongoing second ODI against Sri Lanka, Team India started well and took control by taking the wicket early, with the Islanders’ score reading 135/4 in overs in Colombo. Well, before the start of the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said that they are ready to chase again in Colombo after losing the toss against Sri Lanka.
It is very important to play with freedom: Rohit Sharma
Rohit stressed that it is crucial for the team to adjust their mindset based on the conditions and play with a sense of freedom and pointed out that both teams performed well in the first ODI despite the game ending in a draw. He also said that the team will remain unchanged and ready for the next challenge.
Rohit Sharma said during the toss: “It’s good to chase again; we know what to expect when we chase. It has to be that way. You can’t always go out and play with the same mindset and in the same way.”
