Following his impressive performance in India's Asia Cup match against the UAE, all-rounder Shivam Dube addressed the media and dismissed comparisons to Hardik Pandya. Dube stated that he considers Pandya an elder brother from whom he is constantly learning. Dube's heroic bowling spell in the Group A match in Dubai saw him take three wickets for just four runs, helping India bowl out the hosts for a mere 57 runs in 13.1 overs.
Shivam Dube on comparison with Hardik Pandya
In the match, India continued their strategy of including both medium-pace all-rounders in the playing XI. They opted for just one specialist fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, allowing Dube to provide batting depth and make room for three spinners. Dube's performance vindicated this decision, as he outshone Hardik by picking up three wickets in only two overs.
“Hardik is the kind of player from whom I keep learning. He is like my brother. His experience in the IPL and international cricket is huge. I want to learn as much as I can from him. I keep asking him questions, even about batting. I have never thought about comparisons. All I want, playing alongside him, is to learn and use that knowledge to improve myself,” Dube said in the post-match press conference.
While Dube and Pandya are both pace-bowling all-rounders, they have been given different roles within the Indian team, with their skill sets clearly defined. Both players were part of India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign in 2024.
Hardik has become a mainstay in India’s limited-overs squads, while Dube is still establishing himself. In the IPL, Hardik leads the Mumbai Indians and often bowls with the new ball, while Dube has been used primarily as an Impact Player for Chennai Super Kings. This rule, introduced in 2023, has limited bowling opportunities for batting all-rounders, and Dube has been one of those affected.
Despite this, Dube has worked hard to improve his bowling, supported by the team management's encouragement. Since Gautam Gambhir became the head coach, Dube has bowled in seven matches and has taken eight wickets. Dube credits Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel for their words of encouragement.
“The captain and coach told me beforehand that I would bowl. ‘We have confidence in you,’ they said. My bowling coach helped me with a lot of things. I had been preparing for a long time to be ready whenever the opportunity came. What happened today was the reward for that preparation,” he added.
“During the England series, he gave me a couple of key tips. He told me to use the crease and bowl from wide of the stumps. He also advised me on getting my slower ones right. I’ve been working on that for a long time. He even helped me adjust my run-up. Because of those tweaks, I have been able to bowl well. My pace is good, and I feel confident with the ball in hand,” he concluded.
India will next face Pakistan in their next Group A clash on September 14 before locking horns with Oman on September 19.