'SKY showed why he is no.1 T20 batter': Shivam Dube lauds Suryakumar Yadav's special in 2nd T20I vs NZ

During the high-stakes chase against New Zealand, Shivam Dube had a front-row view as his fellow Mumbaikar, Suryakumar Yadav, taking New Zealand bowlers to the cleaners in the second T20I. Suryakumar roared back to form, notching his first fifty in 23 innings. By finding his form at such a critical juncture, Suryakumar effectively silenced his critics just one month before India hosts T20 World Cup 2026. Suryakumar cracked a blistering 82 off 37 riding on nine fours and four sixes in India's crusing six-wicket win over New Zealand.

Shivam Dube all praise for Suryakumar Yadav

The duo’s chemistry was on full display as they shared an unbeaten 81-run partnership, making a daunting 209-run target look relatively easy. Dube, who was promoted up the order ahead of Hardik Pandya to maintain a strategic left-right batting combination, played a vital supporting role. His aggressive 18-ball 36 provided the necessary momentum to complement Suryakumar's brilliance, ensuring India crossed the finish line with clinical efficiency.

"I was asked about Surya's form in a press conference not so long ago. That's when I said that he is the type of player, when he will show his form, the world will know what type of player he is. So, today he showed Suryakumar Yadav, why he is the number one T20 batter. So, I enjoyed a lot. And it felt really good to see him," Dube said at the post-match presentation.

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He is one of the best left handers I have seen: Dube in Ishan Kishan

Prior to the match-winning partnership between Suryakumar and Shivam, Ishan Kishan set the stage with an explosive performance that shifted the momentum firmly in India's favor. Making a statement in his comeback series, the wicketkeeper-batter dismantled the opposition's bowling attack with a blistering 76 runs off just 32 deliveries.

Kishan's aggressive start effectively took the game away from New Zealand during the early stages of the chase. By scoring at such a high strike rate, he successfully defused the pressure of the 209-run target, providing the platform that allowed the middle order to finish the game with composure.

"Ishan is one of the best left handers I have seen. He is called a small pocket blast in the dressing room. So, I think his batting is very strong. And he has shown that what he was doing in the domestic, he got out in the last match. But he knows what he can do. He showed it tonight," Dube added.

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Shivam also shone bright with the ball. He is emerging as a genuine all-rounder, provided the team with valuable tactical flexibility, allowing the captain to utilise his medium-pace overs to break crucial partnerships. In the match, Dube proved his worth in the bowling department by claiming the big wicket of Daryl Mitchell.

"Definitely, hard work has been put in. But it is important that the captain and the coach support me. They have backed me a lot. I have said this before also. And I have prepared myself a little. That how I will bowl, what situation I will come in. So, as a sixth bowler, whatever I get, two, three or four overs, I will try to bowl according to the situation at that time," he concluded.