India’s all-rounder Shivam Dube has downplayed concerns regarding India’s struggle against off-spin in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Indian opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck against Pakistan and the Netherlands while facing the off-spinners in the very first over.

In-form Ishan Kishan was also dismissed by the Netherlands’ off-spinner Aryan Dutt, who returned with impressive figures of 2-19 in his quota of four overs. Earlier, Pakistan’s off-spinner Saim Ayub also returned with splendid figures of 3-25 in his four overs against India.

Shivam Dube said in the post-match press conference when asked about discussions regarding the struggle against off-spin, “Nothing. There is no talk because sometimes some batters cannot hit some balls. It’s just about one shot. They start hitting that one shot and there will be no talk about off-spin in the coming matches.”

Dube said it was crucial for him not to let dot ball pressure get to him and play according to the match situation after they were 69-3 against the Dutch.

He added, “When you don’t get a boundary, there is pressure on you. But I know that even if I am on two off 10 balls, in the next five, I can hit two sixes. There was a wicket. So it was important that we built a partnership. For that, it’s okay if you take an extra 2-4 balls.”

When asked about Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav’s intent in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Dube said the duo is batting according to the match situation as they are losing early wickets.

“The game is difficult since this is a World Cup. If we don’t get the start we want, then Tilak and Surya’s have to bat differently. They bat according to the situation. If Tilak has to hit, he does it. About Surya, nothing needs to be said. He can put the team in the best position.”

India will take on South Africa in their opening game of the Super 8 stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday.