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    AB de Villiers criticises Virat Kohli and RCB for not utilising Shivam Dube effectively
AB de Villiers criticises Virat Kohli and RCB for not utilising Shivam Dube effectively
Dube's improvement has a lot to do with Dhoni. Source: Cricket Today

AB de Villiers criticises Virat Kohli and RCB for not utilising Shivam Dube effectively

Legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers claims that Shivam Dube did not settle in fully during his time with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. De Villiers feels that it was only after Dube moved to the Chennai Super Kings that he realized his true potential. The statistics support his claim. Dube began his IPL career with RCB in 2019, playing two seasons for Virat Kohli’s squad. Across 15 matches, he managed just 169 runs at a modest strike rate of 122.

Dube was a free agent from RCB and was on the books of Rajasthan Royals. However, he struggled to rediscover his best form, scoring just 230 runs in 9 matches at a mediocre strike rate of 119, and was also ineffective with the ball. His fortunes changed dramatically after MS Dhoni's CSK acquired Dube in the 2022 mega auction. He went on to score 289 runs. His strike rate was an impressive 156. Ab de Villiers also credited the guidance of MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming for Dube's discovery of his true game:

“Shivam’s performance is delightful. Back when he was with RCB, he was shy and reserved, working diligently. Now with CSK, he has found the freedom to thrive. The CSK franchise has created a welcoming culture where players can relax and be themselves. This magic recipe of support allows CSK players to express their talents freely, powering the team’s consistent success season after season with both new recruits and veterans.”

The former South African batter also commended Dube for addressing his weakness against short deliveries.

During IPL 2024, Dube played a crucial innings by scoring a patient 34* against RCB and then followed it up with a blistering 51 off just 23 balls against the Gujarat Titans, earning him the Player of the Match award.

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