Into the high stakes cauldron ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026Shivam Dubey has emerged as one of India’s most reliable match-winners. But behind the explosive 31-ball 66 that led India to victory against the Netherlands on Wednesday (February 18) is a story of guidance, a change in mindset and three simple words from the man who has defined cricket knowledge for a generation: MS Dhoni.
The Indian all-rounder, who was named Player of the Match for his game-changing performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium, revealed in a post-match conversation that Dhoni’s advice fundamentally changed his approach to facing short-pitched deliveries – a weakness that once threatened to derail his international career.
MS Dhoni’s mantra that helped Shivam Dubey win on short balls
After this, talks are being held with the host broadcasters India wins by 17 runs against NetherlandsDubey opens up about the crucial conversation that changed his batting philosophy. When struggling against short balls early in his IPL career, Dhoni gave a particularly simple but profound piece of advice.
“Mahi bhai told me that it is not necessary that you have to hit a six on that ball, you can hit a four or take a single, so that was always in my mind when I started,” Dubey revealed.
This advice – essentially “Don’t attack the short ball.” – Went against the power-hitter’s natural instincts. Dubey admitted that batsmen struggling against a particular delivery often believe that the only way to overcome it is to hit a six on it.
Dubey’s Technical Trip: from insecurity to strength
Dubey’s struggles against short-pitched balls early in his career were well documented. Despite possessing immense power and being one of the tallest cricketers in the Indian setup, the left-handed batsman often looked uncomfortable against quality fast bowling clocking in excess of 140 km/h.
“There was a time when I came to the IPL, I was struggling a bit against short balls, at that time I was not able to hit them so cleanly,” Dubey was remembered. “But then I realized that if I want to dominate at this level and I have that strength, why should I be held back by one thing, so I worked a lot on that thing during the offseason.”
The change included extensive exercises with the sidearms, but Dubey emphasized that the change in mindset proved more important than the technical adjustment. The results have been dramatic – his average against short balls has increased from 23.5 during the 2021-22 period to 84 in 2023.
Dhoni-CSK connection: A partnership that changed Dubey’s cricket career
Dubey has been a part of the Chennai Super Kings setup since IPL 2022, forming a bond with Dhoni that is still strong today. While Dhoni’s illustrious playing career nears its final chapter, Indian cricket is benefiting from his guidance.
“The credit goes to Chennai Super Kings and Mahi Bhai because I always had this game in me.” Dubey had earlier said this during the Afghanistan series in 2024. “They have brought out the best in me. They have always encouraged me and said they believe in me. Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey have shown faith in me.”
The CSK think-tank’s willingness to promote Dubey up the batting order and support him despite early struggles created an environment where he could implement Dhoni’s advice without fear of failure.
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Dubey gave match winning performance against Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026
The wisdom of Dhoni’s advice was on full display during India’s final group-stage match against the Netherlands. With India struggling at 74 for 3 after 10 overs, Dubey made a slow start, scoring only six runs from his first 11 balls and even surviving a close LBW call.
Instead of panicking or attempting to dominate immediately, he remained patient, rotated the strike and waited for scoring opportunities – just as Dhoni had advised. This approach paid off brilliantly as they then targeted the spinners and took advantage of predictable changes in pace.
Dubey’s half-century came off just 25 balls, which included four fours and six sixes. With Hardik Pandya, he put together a crucial partnership of 119 runs in the last 10 overs, with India scoring 75 runs in the last five overs alone. He was finally out in the 19th over after scoring 66 runs in 31 balls, but the damage was done.
To complete a memorable all-round performance, Dubey also took 2 for 35 with the ball, providing a further blow to the Netherlands’ target.