Shivam Dube Unpacks How MS Dhoni Helped His Short-Ball Game

Team India all-rounder Shivam Dube has shed light on how Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran MS Dhoni helped him improve his short ball play. Dhoni’s behind-the-scenes influence at CSK continues to gain widespread attention after his reduced on-field roles for the top franchise. Analysts argue that Dhoni’s impact on the CSK dressing room is a major reason why the franchise continues handing him contracts in his mid-40s.

Dube has now come out to speak on how Dhoni’s mentorship helped him become one of India’s top supporting batsmen at the T20 World Cup 2026.

Dube Speaks on His Struggles with Short-Ball Gameplay

The skilled all-rounder recounts his struggles with handling short-pace balls as an IPL cricketer. However, he says resilience to fix the challenge was a major boost towards seeking solutions to the problem:

“When I had started playing in the Indian Premier League, I was struggling at that time with short balls. And I figured it real quick that to dominate at this level I needed to fix the problem. I already had the strength. So, I thought I should not be lagging behind because of this shortcoming,” Dube said.

Dube Details How Dhoni Helped Boost His Short-Ball Play

Shivam says Dhoni gave him details on improved batting during an IPL offseason training session:

“And then in the offseason I practiced hard with short balls. Mahi Bhai [MS Dhoni] also told me that it’s not necessary to hit a six off those types of deliveries, I can also look for singles as well as boundaries. So, I have been doing that since. I look to tap the ball into gaps. Of course, if the ball in my hitting area, I will hit it but if it’s not, I am content with taking singles or hitting boundaries at the start of my innings,” Dube said during the interview.

How Long Has Dube Been MS Dhoni’s CSK Teammate?

Dube has been in the CSK dressing room since 2022. He has been under Dhoni’s guidance for at least four IPL seasons since his move to the Yellow Army. The veteran Dhoni’s vast skillset is a vital asset for Dube as the cricketer aims to become one of India’s top all-rounders of all time.

Dube at the T20 World Cup 2026

Shivam Dube featured in several matches for Team India at the recently-concluded T20 WC 2026. Dube produced impressive performances against top sides from the group to knockout phases of this competition.

Dube also clinched five (5) wickets in 9 games at this competition with a remarkable 2/35 against the Netherlands seizing headlines.

Shivam Dube IPL Stats

Batting and fielding stats

Shivam produced decent returns in his first two IPL seasons before going on to register remarkable numbers from his third foray into Indian franchise cricket at the highest level. Dube also doubles as a capable fielder with over 20 catches in his career while outside the crease.

Dube’s recent run of form and impressive outing is all thanks to Dhoni’s immediate impact on his short-ball handling. Season-wide data on Dube’s performance shows marked improvements in his batting since his move to CSK and under Dhoni’s guidance.

Bowling stats