The Indian all-rounder, Shivam Dube repaid the faith shown in him by skipper, Virat Kohli after being promoted at no.3 in the second T20 International against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. While Kohli fell for 19 at number four, Dube became the top-scorer of the innings with 54 runs to help India post a competitive total of 170/7 in 20 overs.

Even though India lost the second T20I and the West Indies leveled three-match series at 1-1, Dube’s knock at a tough time garnered praise from fans and critics as well. During the post-match press conference, Dube revealed how a piece of advice from the deputy skipper, Rohit Sharma helped him bat confidently at the crucial number three slot.

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Dube explained, “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. 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.”

Besides Dube’s 30-ball 54, which came with the help of three fours and four sixes, young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant contributed to India’s total with an unbeaten knock of 33. Shivam said the Greenfield International Stadium was too big but he is confident of “clearing any ground”.

The all-rounder elaborated, “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. I think that’s my strength and I always go like that only.”

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On numerous dropped catches in the match, Dube termed it as unfortunate. Had India held onto those catches, that would have changed everything. The third and final match of the T20I series will be played in Mumbai on Wednesday.