Shivam Dube’s revelation post India’s 17-run win over Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026 has cricket fans buzzing: captain and coach urged him to fire up the strike rate the moment he strode in during middle overs. The all-rounder’s 66 off 31 (6×6, 4×4) and 2/35 in three overs clinched Player of the Match honors, helping India reach 193/6 before restricting the Dutch to 176/7.
The Ahmedabad pitch tested patience with its skid, low trajectory, and occasional turn. Dube thrived under pressure. ‘Wicket was tough, off-spinner bowled a maiden almost with four dots, but I backed myself to strike back,’ he recounted.
Adapting to bowlers’ plans was key. ‘They won’t risk yorkers; expect short and slow. I readied for that.’ On the specific directive, ‘Captain and coach said keep strike rate high in middle overs right away, but I assessed the situation—couldn’t go berserk initially, then timed my acceleration perfectly.’
Dube’s love for six-hitting shone through, balanced by match awareness. ‘Boundaries are my game, but smart play against good bowlers sets up fireworks.’ His bowling evolution adds another dimension: ‘Intense practice is reaping wickets in T20’s chaos.’
This masterclass positions Dube as India’s go-to middle-overs enforcer, vital for World Cup glory.