Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube said that MS Dhoni has inspired him to become a good finisher. Playing alongside Dhoni for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dube has moulded himself into someone who can strike the ball well, especially in the death overs.

On Thursday, January 11, Dube was at his very best after he won the Player of the Match award in the first T20I against Afghanistan at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

Dube stayed not out on 60 runs off 40 balls with five fours and two sixes, helping India chase down 159 with 15 balls to spare.

“It felt very good to get a good opportunity. I was keeping myself ready to not miss an opportunity. When I came to bat, I wanted to finish the match. I learned it from Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), I wanted to finish the match well,” Dube was quoted as saying on Jio Cinema.

Dube said that ‘observing’ Dhoni has helped him big time in understanding the need to become an effective finisher.

“I always keep talking to Mahi bhai. He is such a big legend. I always keep learning from him, by seeing him and observing him. He has told me a couple of things about my game. He always rates me, saying I play well. If he rates me, then that gives me motivation to keep playing well. Because of which, my confidence is very high,” he stated.

Dube also said that he has worked hard on his bowling. In the first T20I, he got the crucial wicket of opposition skipper Ibrahim Zadran and finished with figures of 2-0-9-1.

“In terms of my bowling, like you (Raina) said, it doesn’t come overnight,” Dube added.

After winning the first T20I by six wickets, India will head to Indore where they will play the second T20I on Sunday, January 14 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium.