All-rounder Shivam Dube has been India’s trump card in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. From seven innings, Dube has scored 209 runs at an average of 34.83 and strike rate of 159.54. Ahead of the summit clash, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has provided New Zealand with blueprint to tackle the hard-hitting Dube. He explained how England bowlers bowled to him and what Kiwi spinners need to do, keeping the ball away from his arc, keeping him at bay.
"I'm Shivam Dube. I'm standing slightly outside leg stump. The ball is here (pointing outside leg stump). Now that is wide, right? He's bowled the ball there. Again, you’ve got to take a screengrab. What Dube has interestingly done is, because he's looking to hit that ball. He's not gonna say that's a wide and let it go. His wagon wheel clearly suggests that square of the wicket on the off side and towards square leg is a no hit zone for him. So, he's gone there, bunted that ball for a single on the leg side,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“He's (The bowler) also bowled another full toss here behind the heels for Dube which has been flicked to fine leg in this particular game (semifinal against England). So, if you are New Zealand, Dube is someone you’ve got to keep very quiet because he can really take the game away from you when the spinners are on operation,” the off-spinner observed.
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Ashwin’s warning to New Zealand
Ashwin cautioned New Zealand. He feels that if the BlackCaps bowlers miss their lengths, they will get smashed for plenty of runs.
“New Zealand have got Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, who I think they will try to avoid against Dube. But, even if you're Glenn Phillips or Cole McConchie, I would rather suggest that take the ball wide away from him or bowl behind his boots or get him to cut that ball. If you're missing those lengths, Dube is going to take you for plenty. Let's be clear, Dube is someone New Zealand needs to tag otherwise this final is going one way. He will take the game away from them,” said the 39-year-old.
Dube's record against New Zealand
The 32-year-old has played 10 T20Is against the BlackCaps. He has scored 158 runs from nine innings at an average of 26.33 and strike rate of 192.68. Earlier this year, he scored a blazing 63 in an unsuccessful run chase.