Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lavished praise on Shivam Dube after India clinched a 17-run win against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Dube scored a fantastic knock of 66 runs off just 31 balls, with the help of four fours and six maximums. Thus, he played an instrumental role in helping India post 193 runs on the board.

The left-hander scored his runs at a whirlwind strike rate of 212.90 and batted at the top of his game. The southpaw completed his fifty off just 25 balls despite getting off to a slow start.

Furthermore, Dube registered figures of 2-35 in three overs he bowled against the Dutch.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “The way Shivam Dube played that 66-run knock off 31 balls, when he got the opportunity to face more deliveries, he made full use of it and smashed some big sixes. His balance at the crease is outstanding. His hands move slightly away from the body, but the bat comes down from high to low with a very smooth flow. Watching his bat flow is a real pleasure. He uses that flow to generate tremendous power and hit big shots. His batting has been exceptional, and he is also picking up wickets with the ball.”

Pathan said Dube has consistently scored runs for the team in the last few games.

“If you look at his last 10 matches, you will see two half-centuries and only two single-digit scores. Apart from that, he has been consistently scoring runs. He has now developed into that kind of dependable player. Another important point is that whenever India’s T20 team sheet is written now, his name will certainly be there. He has done that kind of work and made that kind of impact,” he added.

The former Indian all-rounder said Dube’s game against the fast bowlers has significantly improved and also his off-side game has shown upward swing in the improvement graph.