Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Shivam Dube has cemented his place as one of the first names on India’s T20I team sheet following his match-winning display against the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. In India’s final Group A clash in Ahmedabad, Dube walked in at a tricky juncture and completely shifted momentum with a blistering 66 off just 31 balls.
His counterattack powered India to 193, a total that ultimately proved decisive in a 17-run victory. But Dube didn’t stop there. He returned with the ball to claim two wickets for 35 runs and even trusted himself with the pressure of bowling the final over. The all-round effort earned him the Player of the Match award and further underlined his growing stature in India’s T20 setup.
Pathan, speaking on his YouTube channel, was effusive in his praise. He highlighted Dube’s balance at the crease, smooth bat swing and ability to adapt to match situations — qualities that separate good players from dependable match-winners.
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“The way he played that 66 off 31 balls — when he got the chance to face more deliveries, he made full use of it,” Irfan Pathan said. “His balance is outstanding. The bat comes down beautifully, and his flow is very smooth. It’s a pleasure to watch.”
What has impressed Pathan even more is Dube’s consistency. In his last 10 matches, Dube has registered two half-centuries and only two single-digit scores, showcasing reliability alongside explosiveness. In 2026 alone, he has scored 233 runs in nine matches at a strike rate above 200, while also picking up six wickets at an impressive average of 17.5.
“Whenever India’s T20 team sheet is written, his name will be there — he has earned that status,” Irfan Pathan asserted, referencing Dube’s impactful knocks in major finals and high-pressure games.
One of the biggest shifts in Dube’s game, according to Pathan, is his improvement against pace bowling. Once labelled a spin basher, Dube now boasts a strike rate above 195 against pacers this year, regularly dispatching short balls and hard lengths with authority.
Pathan also praised Shivam Dube’s bowling mindset. Whether using wide yorkers, cross-seam variations or attacking lengths, Dube has shown he is ready to deliver whenever called upon.
In this T20 World Cup alone, Dube has already contributed 116 runs and three wickets in four matches. For a player once seen as a situational pick, he now looks indispensable — and that’s the biggest compliment of all.
