19 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India all-rounder Shivam Dube has emerged as one of the most destructive middle-order batters in recent times, but his journey has not been without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles in Dube’s career was his visible discomfort against short-pitched bowling—an issue that international teams repeatedly tried to exploit. That narrative, however, began to change after some crucial guidance from former India captain MS Dhoni, fondly known as “Mahi Bhai.”
A Known Weakness
Earlier in his career, Shivam Dube often struggled when bowlers banged the ball short. His tall frame made it difficult to control pulls and hooks, and mistimed shots frequently resulted in dismissals. Opposition bowlers quickly picked up on this pattern, using short deliveries to disrupt his rhythm, especially in high-pressure matches.
This weakness threatened to limit Dube’s effectiveness at the international level, despite his immense power and ability to clear boundaries with ease.
Dhoni’s Simple but Impactful Advice
The turning point came during Dube’s time with Chennai Super Kings, where MS Dhoni played a mentor-like role. Dube later revealed that Dhoni offered him clear, practical advice rather than overloading him with technical changes.
“Mahi Bhai had told me to trust my reach and not rush into shots,” Dube explained in an interview. Dhoni emphasised staying balanced, watching the ball closely, and choosing the right moments to attack instead of reacting instinctively to every short delivery.
According to Dube, Dhoni also encouraged him to use his height to his advantage—either by riding the bounce or opting for safer options like the upper cut or controlled pull when conditions allowed.
Mental Shift Over Technical Overhaul
What made Dhoni’s guidance particularly effective was its focus on mindset rather than drastic technical adjustments. Instead of trying to eliminate the short-ball threat completely, Dhoni advised Dube to remain calm and selective.
This mental shift helped Dube shed fear and hesitation. Rather than seeing the short ball as a weakness, he began treating it as just another delivery to manage smartly.
Results on the Field
The impact of Dhoni’s mentorship became evident in both IPL and international cricket. Shivam Dube started handling short-pitched bowling with greater confidence, often punishing loose deliveries while avoiding risky shots against well-directed bouncers.
His improved shot selection and composure allowed him to play crucial cameos and match-winning knocks, strengthening his case as a dependable middle-order option for India.
A Trusted Finisher for India
With his short-ball issues largely under control, Dube has grown into a reliable finisher, capable of changing games in a few overs. Team India has benefited from his improved all-round confidence, particularly in pressure situations.
Cricket analysts believe that Dhoni’s influence played a key role in unlocking Dube’s full potential—proof that experience and calm leadership can make a decisive difference in a player’s career.
The Dhoni Effect
MS Dhoni’s role as a mentor continues to shape Indian cricket even after his international retirement. His ability to simplify the game and instil confidence has helped several players, and Shivam Dube’s transformation is a prime example.
As Dube continues to deliver impactful performances, his journey stands as a reminder of how the right advice, at the right time, from the right person—“Mahi Bhai”—can redefine a cricketer’s career.
Summary
Shivam Dube overcame his short-ball struggles after simple yet effective guidance from MS Dhoni, focusing on mindset, balance, and smarter shot selection rather than major technical changes.