Chennai Super Kings (CSK) explosive batter Shivam Dube displayed his potential to tonk the ball into the stands on March 27 (Tuesday) in the franchise's win over the Gujarat Titans (GT). Dube came out to bat firing on all cylinders and smashed the first two balls of his innings for massive sixes. From there on, there was no stopping the lanky-muscular left-handed batter who continued to torch the GT's bowling attack with utmost ease.
In his knock of 51 runs off 23 balls, the southpaw smashed five sixes and two fours, while registering a strike rate of 221.74.
After playing a pivotal role in helping CSK post a daunting score of 206/6, Dube spoke about his evolution as a batter since the time he rejoined the franchise. The lanky all-rounder asserted that the freedom that the franchise has given him has played a massive role in his success and match-winning performances.
"This franchise is different from all others. This franchise is giving me the freedom and I also want to win some matches for them. I worked in that way as well - it is helping me, I know they are going to bowl short balls and I'm ready for that. They want me to go on a higher strike-rate and I want to do that," Dube told broadcasters, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
CSK's strong start to the season
After posting 206 runs on the board, the CSK bowlers did an impeccable job and strangled the GT batters with their accuracy and consistency. As a result, GT could only manage to score 143/8 and the Super Kings won the game by 63 runs.
CSK now has two wins in as many matches played this season and Ruturaj Gaikwad's men are currently sitting pretty at the top of the points table.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'I got to look at Mahi bhai and at Ruturaj': Deepak Chahar reveals he gets a bit confused in the field after captaincy change
Bad news for Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of clash against Mumbai Indians, star overseas players' injury leaves him uncertain for IPL 2024
