India’s 17-run victory over the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 had one standout hero — Shivam Dube. On a challenging surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the powerful left-hander produced a complete all-round display to guide India home in a crucial group-stage encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Dube smashed a career-best 66 off just 31 balls in T20Is, shifting the momentum firmly in India’s favour. The pitch, however, was far from ideal for stroke-making. There was uneven bounce, some deliveries skidded through, and the off-spinner extracted grip at key moments.
“It was a little tough, this is the situation I love to bat. I was enjoying, although I was under pressure,” Shivam Dube said after receiving the Player of the Match award. When asked about the tricky nature of the surface, he didn’t shy away from admitting the challenge.
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“The off-spinner bowled really well to me and four dot balls, a good over from my side, but I knew that I’m gonna cover later.” He further explained how the pitch behaved unpredictably. “It was skidding as well as it was keeping low. One of the balls spun as well. So for me, it was like, yes, I can hit him, but at that time the situation demands something else. So I have to play at that time.”
Despite being known for his six-hitting ability, Shivam Dube emphasized calculated aggression over brute force.
“I tried to hit boundaries. I try to hit six. I enjoy hitting sixes, but the situation demands the bowler is good. I have to prepare myself to hit boundaries as well.” He also revealed how he anticipated variations from the bowlers.
“I have worked in that way also, because I know all the bowlers, they’re going to block me as well. They’ll not bowl me yorkers or length balls. They’re going to come short. They’re going to bowl me slower balls. So I prepared myself, so I was waiting for that.”
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Shivam Dube then made an impact with the ball, dismissing Bas de Leede and Zach Lion-Cachet. Reflecting on his bowling efforts, he said: “I’m working really hard towards my bowling and yeah, the results are coming, but yes, it’s a T20 game. You’re going to hit, you’ll get hit sometime, but you’ll take wickets as well.”
