India's young all-rounder Shivam Dube lavished praise on bowling coach Morne Morkel after his impressive performance during the team's Asia Cup 2025 clash against the UAE at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Dube registered his career best 3/4 in two overs against the UAE.
After India's win, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star spoke about the kind of role played by Morkel in his improvement as a seam bowler. Dube revealed that Morkel also worked in developing his slower delivery and also worked on his run-up a bit.
"Morne has been working with me since I came back into the Indian team for the England series. He has given me certain specific advice and I worked on them," Dube told mediapersons after India's nine-wicket victory.
"He told me to bowl a line that is slightly outside the off-stump. He also worked with me in developing a slower delivery and tweaked my run-up a bit. The head coach and the skipper had told me that my bowling will have a role to play."
Post IPL, Dube, who doesn't figure in the other two international formats, got two months of time to work extensively on his all-round game as well as fitness.
"For the last two months, I have worked a great deal on my fitness. As far as my batting is concerned, I know I have a role to play (as a power-hitter) in the middle overs. I know over the years, bowlers targetted me with short balls and I have worked on increasing my range of shots.
"As tournament progresses, wicket will get slower and I know my slower (ball) will be effective and I also know how to bat in middle overs," he said.
Dube's plan against Pakistan
Dube, who was among the standout performers against the UAE, revealed that he will follow head coach Gautam Gambhir's advice in the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash.
"Whether I am playing against UAE or Pakistan, I try to follow what my coach Gauti bhai (Gambhir) tells me. When you play for India, you have got a chance to do some great things for the country."
India will now face Pakistan in their second clash of the Asia Cup 2025 which will take place on September 14 at the same venue.