India’s veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has showered praise on Shivam Dube despite the team’s 50-run loss against New Zealand in the fourth T20I on Wednesday. Dube scored a blistering knock of 65 runs off just 23 balls with the help of three fours and seven sixes. Barring Dube, none of the other Indian batters could show much resistance.

The left-hander reached his fifty off just 15 balls as he was able to hit the ground running. Dube also smashed a 101-meter six and Rahane revealed the left-hander practises with 80-meter boundaries.

Rahane said on Cricbuzz, “For him, the boundary starts from 80m; that’s how he practices. I used to ask him what do you basically focus while hitting sixes. He said I know my game. For me, the boundary starts after 80m.”

Dube joined forces with Rinku Singh when India were struggling at 63-4, and the latter was able to get off the blocks quickly.

“Coming in that situation and dominating from ball one. Against spinners, we all know he’s so dangerous, hits the ball really well. Against fast bowlers as well, he was good. He was calculative, but his intent was really good,” he added.

Rahane played down any concerns regarding Sanju Samson’s form. The Indian opener scored 24 runs from 15 balls before he was bowled by Mitchell Santner.

“The way Sanju Samson started, I’m still happy with him. He got 15-ball 25. He looked a little out of touch, but he managed to get those 25 runs. I’m still happy with him.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and decided to field first. Rahane added that the Indian skipper could have elected to bat first against the Kiwis.

“The dew factor is going to be there in India. This was a great chance for the team to see how they bat first, and then how they defend the target.”

The fifth and final T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Thiruvanthapuram on Saturday.