India fast-bowling all-rounder Shivam Dube didn't get a chance to spend much time in the middle, but his brief stay proved decisive. The Uttar Pradesh-born star who joined Sanju Samson for the chase after Hardik Pandya's dismissal, with India needing 17 from 10 balls to chase down 196 against West Indies, Dube faced just four deliveries. In that short burst, he struck two crucial boundaries and even benefited from a couple of leg byes, nudging India closer to the target at a tense stage of the game.
At the other end stood a composed Sanju Samson, already well set and in complete control. Samson sealed the chase in style, finishing unbeaten on 97 from 50 balls, wrapping up a thrilling five-wicket win with a towering six followed by a boundary.
ALSO READ: Watcher Samson takes first steps past 'What ifs' to do justice at Eden.
Gautam Gambhir's subtle dig at superstar culture
Gautam Gambhir, however, was quick to underline that the victory wasn’t about one man alone. While Samson’s knock grabbed the spotlight, Gambhir made it clear that Dube’s cameo carried equal weight.
“Glad you’re talking about every contribution, because for too many years, we’ve only spoken about certain contributions,” Gambhir said, taking a sly dig at the superstar culture. “This is a team sport, and this will always remain a team sport. For me, I think Shivam’s, those two boundaries are as important as Sanju’s 90, because if he wouldn’t have been able to hit those two boundaries, probably that 95 (97), you won’t have even spoken about. So it’s not only about 97 – yes, he played a special innings, but those small contributions actually help you win games as well.”
Gambhir on Dube's knock
He stressed that while big scores dominate headlines, it’s often the quieter, timely interventions that decide tight contests.
“The big contribution makes headlines. The small contribution, the contribution that can help the team win, cross that line, is going to be very important. And that’s why I say that this is going to be the philosophy going forward till I am there,” he added.
After winning against the West Indies, India will now play the semifinal, where they will face England at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. It marks the third consecutive time the two sides will meet at this stage of the tournament.