Shivam Dube reveals how advice from Rohit Sharma helped him bat confidently at number three slot

Shivam Dube, who was the top run-getter for the men in blue with 54 runs to help India put up a total of 170/7 in stipulated 20 overs. Repaid the faith shown by skipper Virat Kohli after he offered his batting position to the youngster in the second T20I match against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram.

It was Dube’s fifth T20I appearance for the national side, who is yet to feature in any other format for India. Even after India lost the second T20I and the visiting side levelled the series at 1-1, The 26-year old’s knock at a crucial time prompted applause from fans and critics.

At the post match press conference, Shivam Dube revealed how Rohit Sharma’s advice helped him bat confidently at the crucial nuber three position.

"I think I was given the opportunity to bat at No.3 and I think it was a big deal for me. The pressure was there at the starting obviously - international match," Dube said.

"After that, Rohit bhai helped me and he said 'stay calm and back your strength'. I think that was the motivation I needed from a senior player. Then, I got one six and did really well after that," he added.

While India had lost KL Rahul at the early stages of the match, Rohit Sharma perished for 15 runs in the eighth over.

Apart from Shivam Dube’s 54 off 30 deliveries, which included three fours and four sixes, under fire wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant came up with an unbeaten knock of 33.

Dube stated that the Greenfield International Stadium was very big but he is confident of "clearing any ground".

"I think this ground is big but I have the capability of clearing any ground. You might have seen today also and that's the capability I have," he said.

"I think that's my strength and I always go like that only," he added.

On dropped catches during the match, Dube stated: "Yes, we dropped catches and it was unfortunate. Had we held onto them, that would have changed everything. But then any team can drop catches - it doesn't matter. I think we are the best team. We had a tough match today, but we will come back next match."

The two heavyweights will now lock horns in the final T20I match of their three match series in Mumbai on Wednesday.

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