Shivam Dube’s transformation has been striking and timely. At India’s first training session ahead of the New Zealand series, the changes were visible — not just the tidy haircut but a leaner, sharper physique that has translated into smarter, more explosive performances on the field. The Mumbaikar has always been a power option; now he’s becoming a more complete, reliable match-winner. Early in the series, Dube didn’t need to shoulder the innings, but when India required muscle, he delivered.
In Raipur, he produced a rapid 36 off 18 to help India over the line. The role in Vizag, however, demanded something different: a finisher who could steady a wobbling chase. India were 63 for 4 when Dube arrived, and from the first ball — a six off Mitchell Santner — he showed intent. What made the Vizag innings noteworthy was the balance.
Shivam Dube showed he is no longer just a spinner-basher. He raced to fifty in 15 balls — the third-fastest by an Indian in T20Is — and the innings combined brutal power with calculated targeting of pace as well as spin. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy felt his wrath; he scored freely against pacers and demolished Ish Sodhi with a 28-run over. Even when the match slipped away after his unfortunate run-out, the knock underlined his evolving value ahead of the T20 World Cup.
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Dube credits mindset and experience for the upgrade. “Hard work and playing those matches in tough situations have taught me what to expect,” he said. There’s also growth in his bowling, aided by guidance from Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav. Regular bowling spells have sharpened his cricketing brain — understanding fields, reading batsmen, and adjusting lines and lengths — all traits that improve a player’s overall game awareness.
Off the mark in style 👌
Shivam Dube in the house 💪#TeamIndia 77/4 at the halfway mark
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/GVkrQKKyd6 #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/XwcnPUojDB
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 28, 2026
6⃣5⃣ off just 23 deliveries 👌👌
End of a blistering knock from Shivam Dube 👏👏
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/GVkrQKKyd6 #TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/L1FKjze4VI
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 28, 2026
This broadening of skills is crucial. Modern T20 demands versatility; being one-dimensional is a liability. Dube acknowledges this, admitting he must keep improving to stay ahead as opponents and conditions evolve. His role is now clearer: an aggressive middle-overs batter who can punish spinners and pace, and a support bowling option who can break partnerships.
Statistically, the progression is tangible. He has become more economical and effective with the ball and more consistent with the bat in pressure overs. Coaches want him to raise the middle-over strike rate, and he’s already striking at over 150 between overs seven and sixteen — a number he’s determined to lift.
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In a squad full of flash and pace, Dube has become India’s utility vehicle — rugged, dependable, and invaluable when the pitch tightens and partnerships matter. The run-out in Vizag was a bitter pill, but it doesn’t erase the bigger picture: India now have a genuine all-round option who can turn matches with bat or ball. His growth offers selectors flexibility and gives India important depth as they chase T20 World Cup glory.
