Shivam Dube has quietly grown into a key figure in the Indian T20I team. Early in his career, he was often compared to veteran Yuvraj Singh for his powerful hitting ability in white-ball cricket, but over time, Dubey succeeded in carving out his own identity in the national team. As a member of India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup squad, he continues to play an important role in the team’s plans. But this stage comes with greater expectations. Under Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, Dube has been given more assignments, adding weight to his all-round value. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball now makes him a vital option to balance out the current squad.
Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel spoke about how Shivam Dubey’s development as a reliable bowling option has been a gradual process, noting that the team management showed confidence in him early and worked closely to hone his variations and boost his confidence in pressure situations.
Morkel said at the press conference: “This journey with Shivam started more than a year ago when we gave him the responsibility of playing for us in Dubai, even the first time. Once you feel in that environment that you are supported by the captain, the coach and the staff, life becomes easier. You don’t have to try to prove yourself or try too hard. He has great skill with the ball and changes; for him it was just about building confidence and honing when to use those changes.”
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Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, Dube has bowled 44.5 overs, a clear indication of the faith placed in him by the captain and coach, as he has taken 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8.54.
“Luxury to have Shivam Dubey”
Morkel went on to stress how Dube’s understanding of the conditions and desire to contribute has enhanced India’s bowling options, describing him as a confident presence who takes wickets and provides control and resilience when the frontline bowlers are under pressure.
“I think he has a very good understanding of the conditions. As a power batsman, he works out the hardest ball to bowl. We gave him support and said: ‘If you go to the boundary, that’s OK.’ You’re a guy who can pick up wickets for us and control the ball.” We’ve slowly developed that and there have been times when I see him coming out disappointed not to bowl, which is great for me. He’s hungry. Credit him for working hard on his game and wanting to improve that all-round part of his game because it gives us options. If the ball is slipping and the players are under pressure, he’s the perfect guy to step up and bowl two overs. “It’s a nice luxury to have him be confident and bowl well,” he added.
