During the crucial IND vs NED fixture in the T20 World Cup 2026, Shivam Dube changed his approach and secured a big score for India. While critics had questioned his ability to handle different bowling styles, the left-handed batter smashed 66 runs off just 31 deliveries at the Narendra Modi Stadium. He showed clear improvement. This knock resulted from three key changes that helped him take control against the Dutch attack.
IND vs NED: 3 Strategic Shifts That Sparked Shivam Dube’s Ahmedabad Blitz:
Refined Stance Against High Pace
Initially, Shivam Dube struggled with a side-on posture. It slowed his reaction time against short-pitched deliveries from seamers like Logan van Beek. So, he switched to a more open-chested stance during the IND vs NED clash. The change improved his vision and balance.
It also helped him turn quickly into his shots. He played a series of powerful pull shots. They sailed over the square leg boundary with ease. By opening his front toe, Shivam Dube gained better leverage. He handled the extra bounce that had troubled him in earlier matches.
Tactical Selection of Scoring Zones
Furthermore, the batter shifted his focus from raw power to smarter placement against the Netherlands spinners. Aryan Dutt had kept the Indian top order quiet with tight lines. Yet Shivam Dube refused to fall into the trap. He avoided risky cross-bat swipes.
Instead, he aimed straight down the ground and towards long-on. There, he made full use of his long reach. He stayed patient during the IND vs NED middle overs. As a result, India kept the scoreboard moving. The team also avoided losing wickets to the slower bowlers.
Masterful Handling of the Slower Ball
Logan van Beek often tried to trick the batters with off-cutters and slower bouncers. However, Dube stayed calm at the crease. Instead of swinging early, he waited for the ball to come into his hitting zone. Then he hit it straight back over the bowler’s head.
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This calm approach mattered in the death overs of the IND vs NED match. He punished every loose delivery. He built a 76-run partnership with Hardik Pandya. Together, they shifted momentum. The innings showed that Dube had become a reliable finisher who could close out games strongly.
