Shivam Dube was an integral part of India’s victorious campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, but there he functioned largely as a specialist batter despite having the ability to bowl medium pace.
However, the last few months have seen the 32-year-old ramp up his bowling load, with him bowling 18 overs since the start of Asia Cup, taking 8 wickets in the process as well.
He bowled 3 and 2 overs respectively in the third and fourth T20I against Australia, and made vital breakthroughs, dismissing the dangerous Tim David in each of the two encounters. Dube has, for the longest time, been an all-rounder only on paper but these last few matches have seen India utilise him for what he actually is.
On the back of the fourth T20I, the 32-year-old stressed on the importance of contributing to the side with the ball in hand as well.
"Yes, it's important for me to bowl well," Dube said after India's win, reported Cricbuzz.
"Because when I got the chance [to play for India again], I knew that I had to bowl. "
The all-rounder credited both head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel for helping him grow as a bowler. While he revealed that Morkel has helped him make key technical adjustments, he revealed that Gambhir has given him a ‘free hand’ to express himself.
"Morne [Morkel], Gauti bhai and Surya, they came up with a very good plan for me, which track I have to go and what I have to bowl. Morne has helped me a lot. Because there are some small things that have made my bowling better, which was not happening before despite trying hard,” he revealed.
"Gauti bhai backed me a lot for that. Tu bindaas bowling daal [You bowl with a free mind]. We are here for you. You might concede runs but we want you to express yourself. That was the plan even today. So, I did that."
With Hardik Pandya out injured, Dube, at times, has been serving as the second seamer for the side. He did that in the Asia Cup 2025 final, where he began proceedings with the new ball and registered figures of 0/23 off 3 overs, remarkably proving to be more economical than Jasprit Bumrah.
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