T20 World Cup | Albie Morkel press conference on South African bowling power, Rabada’s form
In the 2026 T20 World Cup, from Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings, the all-rounder becomes a ‘quiet’ (not in the limelight) but violent (highly explosive) hero for India. In a tournament where India’s top order has largely struggled against the spinners, Dube’s imposing presence and contributions are worth their weight in gold. On Wednesday night at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Dube cemented his reputation as the best player in world cricket with a match-winning knock of 66 off just 31 balls, including half a dozen hard-hitting sixes, against the Netherlands in India’s final league stage match of the T20 World Cup. Unlike the modern T20 specialty batter, Dube doesn’t try to improvise too much. Standing motionless at the crease, the Mumbaikar uses his long levers, timing and brute strength to give the ball a real whack if bowled in his arc. Coming into this game, the 32-year-old had produced crucial cameos of 23 (off 16 balls) and 27 (off 17 balls) against Namibia and Pakistan in his previous two appearances at the T20 World Cup in 2026. In the build-up to the T20 World Cup, Dube had blasted 65 off 23 balls against New Zealand in the fourth T20I in Vizag last month. On Wednesday, Dube took time to get his eye in and was a bit lucky to survive a narrow lbw appeal reviewed by Dutch off-spinner Aryan Dutt. He scored just six off 11 balls before exploding in typical fashion. “It was a bit tough on the wicket but this is a situation I love to bat in and I enjoyed it even though I was under pressure for a while. The offspinner (Colin Ackermann) was jumping really well for me and four dot balls, a good over from me but I knew I was going to cover later. (Some balls) were sliding for me as well as the ball was holding. yes I can hit it but the situation called for something else then so I’m in here time he had to play,” Dube said at Wednesday’s postgame press conference. Knowing he has the ability to unleash the big sixes, Dube won’t be fooled by a few dots when he gets going. “Yes, of course, when you play dot balls in T20, you feel the pressure. But as a player, as a batsman at that time, I know that maybe right now, when I’m on 2 runs in 10 balls, in the next 5 balls, if I hit two sixes, it will be covered. So that thought will always remain in my mind. Yes, the 2-4 wicket was gone, so it’s important for the partnership as well. the dot ball is fine, but later on he covers,” said Dube, beaming after picking up the man of the match award. A few years ago, Dube had an unwanted reputation as someone who would be uncomfortable against the short ball and real pace. However, over time, the left-hander has worked on improving his weakness and has turned into a better player every year. He smashed three sixes off Dutch pacer Logan van Beek on Wednesday. Asked how he overcame the learning curve and eliminated his shortcomings, Dube said, “When you play in those situations, you learn. So I’ve gotten a little bit smarter in that situation. I know, yeah, this pitcher can come to me on this ball or the fastball can throw short or slower balls — I’ve worked on those things. And now I said it’s getting better. Game awareness is important from Dube and my game awareness is better. “When I (first) came to CSK (Chennai Super Kings), there was something I struggled with. It was important to come back strong because I know I can dominate. I worked really hard on the short ball. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy (to make changes), but I had to give it extra time and play extra balls. That’s what I did.” “I know all the pitchers, they’ll (try to) block me, too,” Dube said. “They’re not going to throw me yorkers or long balls. They’re going to come short. They’re going to throw me slower balls. That’s how I prepared myself, so I was waiting for it. When I came in today, it wasn’t like I could have a high rate (immediately), but at a certain time I thought this is the time I can go now.” I knew today was my day.” Until the 2024 T20 World Cup, Dube’s strike rate against pace in T20Is was 134 but has now increased to 172. Knowing that the pacers will aim to give him some ‘music on the chin’, Dube is up for the challenge. “I know all the pitchers, they’ll (try to) block me, too,” Dube said. “They’re not going to throw me yorkers or long balls. They’re going to come short. They’re going to throw me slower balls. That’s how I prepared myself, so I was waiting for it. When I came in today, it wasn’t like I could have high speed (immediately), but at a certain time I thought this is the time I can go now. I knew today was my day. As Dube beamed on being told it was his first fifty in the T20 World Cup, he decided to blast some of his cocky teammates as well. “It’s about who has the day,” Dube said, striking a philosophical tone. “I think we are all match-winners in our team, everybody can hit big sixes on any day and I felt today was the day, so I have to be a bit smart, push myself, last until the end, but I also need to get my strength back. I did that. That’s why I’m a power forward,” said Dube. Apart from his batting, Dube’s bowling – thanks to many helpful sessions with bowling coach and former South African pacer Morne Morkel – has also improved significantly. After his heroics with the bat, he took two for 35 in three overs on Wednesday night. Reflecting the team’s confidence in his bowling, captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to Dube when the Netherlands needed 28 in the final over. The Dutch got 10 and Dube a goal.