'Don’t really feel the absence of Hardik Pandya...': Ex-India coach lauds Shivam Dube after Suryakumar Yadav-led side's 48-run win vs Australia in 4th T20I

Former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar lavished praise on star all-rounder Shivam Dube after the Suryakumar Yadav-led side defeated Australia by 48 runs in the 4th T20I to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series. Nayar reckons that Dube has stepped up admirably to fill the void left by Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out of the white ball series against Australia after getting injured in the Asia Cup.

Abhishek Nayar lauds Shivam Dube

Dube played a crucial role for India in the Asia Cup 2025 final in the absence of Hardik Pandya. He bowled in the powerplay alongside Jasprit Bumrah and scored 33 off 22, helping India register a five-wicket win against Pakistan. Speaking on JioStar’s post-match show Cricket Live, Nayar said Dube’s growing maturity and versatility have made him an invaluable asset for the team.

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“We always say that Hardik Pandya is the kind of all-rounder that India requires. But game after game, Shivam Dube has shown that he can be that all-rounder as well,” Nayar said. “You don’t really feel the absence of Hardik Pandya because Shivam bowls important overs, takes key wickets, and contributes with the bat in different situations.”

Dube, who came to bat at number three in the fourth T20I, scored 22 off 18 and picked up two wickets, those of Australian captain Mitchell Marsh and the in-form Tim David in his two-over spell, conceding 20 runs.

“Today again, he scored crucial runs and took two big wickets when Australia were looking to accelerate,” Nayar added. “Whenever he has been challenged by this Indian team management, he has come up with flying colours. He may not be tagged as ‘the all-rounder’, but he does everything that an Indian all-rounder needs to do.”

Hardik Pandya's comeback

Hardik, who has been out of action since India's Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Sri Lanka, is likely to feature in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, which will start from November 30.

India vs Australia 5th T20I

Team India will now face Australia for the fifth T20I, which will take place on November 8 at the iconic Gabba Stadium.