Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar applauded Shivam Dube, saying that the 29-year-old has got the freedom to play his natural game at Chennai Super Kings camp and, he has grabbed the opportunity as well. Shivam Dube hit 363 runs in 12 matches, the most he has scored in a season in his IPL career. He has an average of 40 and a strike rate of 157 in what has been a consistent season so far as well.

Dube has already smashed 30 sixes this season, and 19 have come against spin bowlers only. However, he has played the role of a spin destroyer to perfection for Chennai in the middle-order, having hit the most sixes against spin in IPL 2023 as well.

“That’s what I have been saying about MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Shivam Dube has played for other franchises, but he hadn’t really got the freedom or encouragement to play his natural game,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

On Sunday, in CSK’s defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders at home, Shivam Dube was the only positive as the batter remained unbeaten on 48 in their total of 144. On a pitch where most CSK batters struggled, Dube hit 3 sixes as well. Gavaskar also said that the defined role that Dube has got in the middle-overs for CSK has given him plenty of clarity for his role as well. Dube has been crucial in giving impetus to CSK in the middle-overs.

“Here, he has got a fixed number to bat — pretty much No. 4 or No. 5. And he has capitalised on it. He has got enough overs to get in and play the big shots. He has not been moved up and down the order. When that happens, you go out and play in a completely natural way. He feels he belongs here,” Sunil Gavaskar concluded.

CSK lost to KKR by 6 wickets on Sunday and missed out on an opportunity to become the first team to reach the IPL 2023 playoffs. MS Dhoni’s team will take on Delhi Capitals in Delhi in their final group-stage match on Saturday, May 20 as well.