Shivam Dube has carved a niche as a dependable finisher for himself in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The all-rounder is playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024. Dube thrives against a specific opponent- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His exploits against RCB continued in the recently concluded match of the IPL 2024 season opener, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best finisher.
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The 30-year-old’s dominance against RCB began in his debut IPL match back in 2021, while playing for Rajasthan Royals. Though his knock of 46 runs off 32 deliveries couldn’t prevent RCB from securing a victory, thanks to a masterful display by Virat Kohli (72*) and Devdutt Padikkal (101*). Even with the loss, Dube showcased a glimpse of his potential against the Faf du Plessis-led side.
‘There is only one thing in my mind, watch the ball and hit the ball. Because I know what I can do, if I there till the end’ – “Shivam Dube”
That's the confidence we needed, Shivam 🔥🔥.. keep continuing 🌪️..pic.twitter.com/AirqeFyzQW
— 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑳𝑨 (@Vidyadhar_R) March 23, 2024
The following year, donning the yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings, Shivam Dube truly unleashed his power against RCB. In a dominant performance at the DY Patil Sports Academy, he smashed an unbeaten 95 runs off just 46 deliveries, propelling CSK to a daunting total of 216/4. While RCB put up a valiant effort in response, they eventually fell short by 23 runs.
The left-hand batter’s love affair with scoring big against RCB continued in the IPL 2023 season. His knock of 52 runs off a mere 27 deliveries played a crucial role in CSK posting a mammoth 226/6. Once again, RCB fell short in the chase, succumbing to an 8-run defeat.
Fast forward to the IPL 2024 season opener, and Shivam Dube continued his impressive run against RCB. While his knock wasn’t as explosive as his previous outings, his contribution of 34 runs off 28 deliveries alongside a composed innings from Ajinkya Rahane and a crucial partnership with Ravindra Jadeja ensured a comfortable 6-wicket victory for CSK.
Across these four encounters, Dube has amassed a staggering 227 runs at an exceptional average of 113.50 and a mind-boggling strike rate of 170.67. His innings have been embellished by a total of 16 boundaries and 16 maximums, showcasing his ability to clear the ropes with ease.
Looking at the broader picture, Dube’s consistency against RCB is quite remarkable. He seems to find that extra bit of motivation when facing them, consistently producing match-winning performances. His ability to score quickly and put pressure on the RCB bowlers has proven to be a major advantage for CSK.
Shivam Dube has an average of 113.50 & strike rate of 170.68 against RCB in IPL. 🤯⭐ pic.twitter.com/PsYES1NVY7
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 23, 2024
However, it’s important to acknowledge that Dube’s overall IPL record is impressive as well. While his exploits against RCB might be grabbing headlines, his consistent performances across seasons highlight his talent and potential.
Shivam Dube’s journey in the IPL has been one of steady progress. He has shown the ability to adapt to different situations, showcasing both power hitting and calculated strokeplay depending on the match context. His ability to contribute with the ball as a medium pacer adds further value to his all-rounder skillset.
With the IPL season just beginning, it will be interesting to see if Shivam Dube can continue his dominance against RCB and maintain his overall form throughout the tournament. His performances will undoubtedly be a key factor in CSK’s quest for their fifth IPL title.
