![Shivam Dube is a crucial part of CSK squad for IPL 2025 [Source: @dubeshivam/instagram.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1742211765366_DubevsspinIPL2025(1).jpg?type=mq)
Shivam Dube is a crucial part of CSK squad for IPL 2025 [Source: @dubeshivam/instagram.com]
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is all about momentum shifts and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have nailed the art of seizing those important middle overs. In recent couple of years, all-rounder Shivam Dube has emerged as CSK’s go-to batter in this phase as he has played the role of an enforcer who doesn’t just rotate strike but also keeps the scoreboard ticking with his big hits.
His power-hitting credentials were never in doubt but in the last couple of IPL seasons, Dube has taken his game to a whole new level. His exceptional skills to decimate spinners, shift gears effortlessly and provide CSK the perfect middle-over acceleration has made him one of their most key assets.
Let’s break down why Shivam Dube will be CSK’s trump card in the middle overs and a nightmare for opposition spinners in IPL 2025.
Dube vs Spin: A Match Made For Destruction
When Dube walks in to bat during the 7-15 over phase, it is almost like a switch flips. This is his forte and spinners often end up on the receiving end of his raw power.
The numbers tell the story: over 46 IPL innings in the middle overs, Dube has amassed 460 runs off 323 balls, striking at 142.4. But the real standout stat is his ability to clear the ropes with ease as he has smashed 39 sixes in this phase, which is more than the boundaries he has hit. This isn’t a batter who dinks and nudges, this is a guy who backs himself to go downtown against spin.
| Year | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | 4/6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 24 | 8.0 | 109.1 | 0/2 |
| 2020 | 4 | 33 | 33.0 | 113.8 | 0/3 |
| 2021 | 8 | 91 | 45.5 | 140.0 | 4/7 |
| 2022 | 8 | 64 | 64.0 | 112.3 | 3/3 |
| 2023 | 12 | 173 | 43.2 | 173.0 | 3/18 |
| 2024 | 11 | 75 | 25.0 | 150.0 | 4/6 |
| Total | 46 | 460 | 32.9 | 142.4 | 14/39 |
Table - Shivam Dube IPL Stats Against Spin In Middle Overs (7-15)
From a Wild Swinger To A Calculated Assassin
When Dube started his IPL career, he was seen as a raw power-hitter with inconsistent performances. But in the last couple of years, he has matured into a batter who picks his moments smartly.
- In 2019 and 2020, his strike rate hovered around 110-113 which showed he was tentative against spinners and often got bogged down.
- From 2021 onwards, his game evolved, his strike rate shot up to 140+ and he started taking down spinners at will.
- 2023 was his breakout year where he struck at a staggering 173.0 in middle overs, smashing 18 sixes.
- In 2024, despite a dip in runs, he still maintained a healthy 150.0 strike rate and showed he could rotate strike when needed and still clear the ropes.
This transformation and evolution in his batting is why CSK trusts him in crunch moments. The southpaw does not just hit sixes but he hits them at the right time when bowlers are looking to tighten the noose.
CSK’s Tactical Masterstroke: Giving Dube A License To Attack
CSK has always been about identifying roles and backing players to excel in them. With Dube, CSK has given him the perfect license as his job isn’t to anchor, it’s to attack.
In a side where batters like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway provide stability at the top, Dube injects firepower in the middle overs. His left-handedness also breaks the rhythm of opposition bowlers which makes it difficult for captains to plan.
- He disrupts bowling plans. Teams often save their best spinners for middle overs but Dube neutralizes that threat with his attacking intent.
- He allows CSK to keep an aggressive tempo. Even if CSK loses early wickets, Dube ensures the run rate doesn’t dip.
- He thrives in Chennai’s spin-friendly conditions – With Chepauk’s slow track assisting spin, having a batter who can muscle the ball out of the park against tweakers is priceless.
Why Dube Will Be CSK’s X-Factor In IPL 2025?
CSK have adapted to modern-day T20 cricket where middle-over acceleration is non-negotiable. And Shivam Dube is central to that strategy.
If he carries his recent form into IPL 2025, expect CSK to dominate the middle phase of games. His ability to counter-attack spinners, clear the ropes effortlessly and build partnerships will ensure CSK stays ahead of the curve.
With MS Dhoni still in the camp, guiding him, Dube has the perfect mentor to refine his finishing skills too. If he fine-tunes that aspect of his game, CSK might have unearthed a long-term match-winner in the making.
 "Jatin")
