new delhi, Sept 11
Shivam Dube is steadily making a case for himself as India’s next genuine seam-bowling all-rounder, with his 2025 Asia Cup opener performance against the UAE adding weight to the inevitable comparisons with Hardik Pandya. The 32-year-old starred with the ball in Dubai, returning figures of 3 for 4 in two overs to set up India’s nine-wicket victory, showing he can also be as impactful with the ball as he is with the bat.
Dube credited his progress to bowling coach Morne Morkel, who has been working with him since his comeback during the England series.
“The captain and the coach told me earlier itself that I will bowl [at the Asia Cup] and that they are confident about me,” Dube said after the game. “My bowling coach (Morne Morkel) has told me a lot of things. I was preparing for this for a long time, so that I would get an opportunity to bowl, and when it comes, I’ll be ready. What happened today is because of that preparation.”
The Mumbai all-rounder also threw light on the work he has put in over the past two months. “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 in the middle overs. Over the years, bowlers targeted me with short balls, and I have worked on increasing my range of shots,” he explained.
As he continues to deliver with both bat and ball, the comparisons with Hardik have become louder. But Dube insists he sees Pandya as a mentor, not a rival.
“Hardik is someone from whom I always learn,” Dube said. “He is like a brother to me. As a cricketer, he has a lot of experience in international cricket and the IPL. So I feel I have a lot to learn from him with regard to both batting and bowling. I have never thought about comparison. I just thought I should get something from him with which I can improve myself.” Dube also stressed the importance of adapting as the tournament progresses.
“As the tournament progresses, wickets will get slower, and I know my slower ball will be effective, and I also know how to bat in the middle overs,” he noted.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s high-voltage clash against Pakistan, he kept things grounded. “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,” he said.
