'He Was Ready For Everything...': Shivam Dube Recalls MS Dhoni's Epic Cameo Against MI

Chennai Super Kings allrounder Shivam Dube was in blistering form against Mumbai Indians on Sunday. Dube, who represents Mumbai in the domestic circuit, came up with a sublime unbeaten innings of 66 off 38 balls against the Hardik Pandya-led side franchise in IPL’s El Clasico.

Born in Mumbai, the 30-year-old has had an impressive IPL campaign so far this season. Having played six IPL matches till now, Dube has scored 242 runs at an average of 60.5 and has a terrific strike-rate of 163.51.

Sunday’s knock against MI was certainly special for Dube and the southpaw shared his feelings during an interaction with Chennai Super Kings.

“First of all the knock was good for me but important was winning in Mumbai, playing against them. So that was much more special because two best teams are playing. So, it is something different for me. Yeah, it was a good knock, I enjoyed it especially I met Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) today on the 22 yards. So, it was amazing for me,” Dube said.

“I think I had a simple plan. I knew they are gonna come to me hard because they wanted my wicket. SO, they are gonna get the best bowlers. So, playing (Jasprit) Bumrah, Rutu (Ruturaj Gaikwad) told me don’t go hard on him directly. He’s one of the best bowlers. I know he’s gonna come hard. So, I wanted my wicket to be there so that I can go to other bowlers. So, that was the plan during Bumrah came then we got to go on Hardik. So, that was special,” he added.

Apart from Dube, Dhoni was also in remarkable touch too.

The legendary India skipper faced only four deliveries and made sure to leave an indelible mark on the game.

Facing Hardik Pandya, Dhoni hit three back-to-back sixes in the final over of the contest. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 20 off just four balls.

While reminiscing about Dhoni’s knock, Dube said, “He just walked in and he tapped on my gloves. I had no words to talk with him because I think he knows everything over here, what’s gonna happen. So, I think he was ready for everything and that four balls were like for me it was, I was in the sky.”

CSK eventually succeeded in registering a 20-run win.

The Gaikwad-led side are now placed at the third spot in the IPL 2024 standings with four wins from six matches.