Shivam Dube played a crucial role in India's win over Australia in the fourth T20I, taking two wickets and contributing with the bat. His performance has been vital amid Hardik Pandya's absence due to a quad injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2025, which caused Pandya to miss both the tournament final and the ongoing Australia tour.
Dube has risen to the occasion, taking on greater bowling responsibilities. In the Asia Cup final, he impressed by bowling effectively, even outperforming Jasprit Bumrah in the death overs. He sustained this form by taking two wickets against Australia in the recent T20I match.
"Yes, it’s important for me to bowl well. Because when I got the chance [to play for India again], I knew that I had to bowl," Dube said after the fourth T20I victory.
"Morne [Morkel], Gauti bhai, and Surya came up with a very good plan for me, which track I have to go on and what I have to bowl. Because there are some small things that have made my bowling better, which were not happening before, despite trying hard. Gauti Bhai backed me a lot for that. Tu bindaas bowling daal [You bowl with a free mind]. You might concede runs, but we want you to express yourself."
Alongside his bowling, Dube has always been recognized for his batting ability, notably delivering a significant cameo in the Asia Cup final.
Author's summary: Shivam Dube has effectively stepped up as an all-rounder, boosting India's T20I performance with key wickets and valuable batting, especially during Hardik Pandya's injury absence.