India all-rounder Shivam Dube has long been known for his ability to dismantle spin bowling, but questions over his effectiveness against pace have followed him in the shortest format. At the T20 World Cup 2026, however, Dube delivered a powerful statement that suggests those doubts may now be a thing of the past.
In India’s clash against the Netherlands, Dube produced a breathtaking knock of 66 off just 31 balls, his highest individual score in a T20 World Cup and his maiden half-century in the tournament. The innings not only powered India’s charge but also showcased a more assured and calculated approach against fast bowling.
Speaking after the IND vs NED encounter on JioHotstar during a chat with Parthiv Patel, Dube reflected on the work he has put in to refine his game.
“There was a time in IPL when I would struggle against dot ball and I was not being able to hit the balls clean. But then I thought if I have to dominate at this level and I have the power, I shoudn’t fall behind and I worked on it a lot in the off season,” he said.
The 32-year-old also revealed the crucial advice he received from former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni, guidance that has shaped his current mindset.
“MS Dhoni advised me that it is not necessary that you need to hit six every ball, you can hit a boundary or take a single. So that have always stayed on my mind. When i come in, I try to tap the ball and wait for the opportunity to come but in the end depends on the situation,” Dube added.
Since 2025, Dube has largely operated at No.6 or below in T20Is, playing 13 of his last 20 innings in the lower middle order. In that period, he has scored 258 runs at an average of 25.8 and an impressive strike rate of 176.7. Notably, his strike rate against pacers stands at 160.0, with a balls-per-boundary ratio of 5.5 — numbers that underline his growing comfort against quick bowling.
With his evolving pace-hitting skills and ability to contribute a few overs, Dube has emerged as a dependable finisher and a complete T20 package for India at a crucial time.
