Irfan Pathan feels that Shivam Dube has established himself as the first name in India’s T20Is team sheet after his all-round performance against the Netherlands on Wednesday, February 18. Dube came into bat for India at a tricky spot during their final group match of the T20 World Cup 2026 and scored 66 off just 31 balls to help India post 193. Ahmedabad
Dube then took two wickets for 35 runs to win the final over as India won the match by 17 runs. The all-rounder was deservedly awarded man of the match for his performance as India entered the Super 8 stage unbeaten. 2026 has been sensational for Dube so far as he has scored 233 runs in nine matches with a success rate of over 200. He has six wickets at an average of 17.5 with the ball.
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On his YouTube channel, Pathan praised Dube’s poise and consistency in batting. The former all-rounder also praised how Dube showed his smarts with the bat and situational play.
“The way he played those 66 runs, he hit 31 balls – when he got an opportunity to face the next delivery, he took full advantage of it and smashed big sixes. His balance is excellent. The hands go a bit away from the body, but the bat comes down beautifully from top to bottom. His bat flow is very fluid – it’s a joy to watch – and he uses it to great effect to hit a few sixes.”
“He’s got two half-centuries, only two single-digit scores in the last 10 games, and otherwise he’s been scoring consistently. He’s become that kind of player.”
“Whenever India’s T20 team sheet is written, his name will be there – he has earned that status. We saw that in the World Cup final. He also batted brilliantly in the Asia Cup final. He played a brilliant knock against Pakistan. Then when he got a chance to face more balls and move up the order against the Netherlands, he showed that he can play responsibly and attack,” Pathan said.
WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR DUBE?
Pathan feels that Dube has shed the tag of being a scumbag and has he improved his game against the pacers. This year, the southpaw has scored at a strike rate above 195 against the pacers, hitting them for seven boundaries and nine sixes in 8 innings.
“The biggest improvement in the last 18 months is his strike rate of 167 against fast bowlers. He used to be labeled as a spinner, but 167 against pace is a very healthy strike rate. His pull is excellent. Yes, teams target him with short balls, but he hits sixes on them as well,” said Dube.
Pathan also praised Dube for always being ready to play crucial turns for the team and also bringing a lot of variety when he has the ball in hand.
“When he gets the ball, sometimes with the new ball, he delivers. He picked up crucial wickets again in the Asia Cup final and today. Whenever he gets the ball, he takes good aim – with wide yorkers, cross-seams and yorker-length attacks. It shows that his mindset is moving in the right direction. He is ready to play praise when needed.”
In the ongoing T20 World Cup, Dube has scored 116 runs and picked up three wickets from four matches.
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Published on:
February 19, 2026