When Shivam Dube burst into the limelight, comparisons with Yuvraj Singh were inevitable. Many even considered him a potential successor to the Indian legend. The similarities were evident, especially in their batting – both had the ability to throw off bowlers with an elegant, authoritative stroke play.
However, the Mumbai all-rounder initially struggled under the weight of these expectations. His resurgence in Chennai Super Kings colors changed everything. Dube has established himself as one of the best players of spin in the IPL, similar to Yuvraj in international cricket. Since returning to the Indian herd, each passing year has seen him grow from strength to strength.
Now, after his heroics against the Netherlands who helped India secure their fourth win of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, the all-rounder is showing the form Yuvraj once displayed during India’s World Cup winning runs in 2007 and 2011.
FIRST NAME ON THE TEAM?
Dube’s graph keeps rising and Irfan Pathan believes in it the all-rounder cemented his place in India’s T20I side.
“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.
In 2026 alone, Dube proved his worth with both bat and ball. Often described as a spin-basher, the Mumbai all-rounder has re-emerged – much like Yuvraj did during his prime.
Dube currently boasts a strike rate of 195 against pacers, consistently clearing the boundary ropes. Importantly, this has not come at the expense of his effectiveness against spin, where he maintains a remarkable strike rate of 224.48. Dube improved significantly against the Pacers in 2026 (Courtesy: AP)
For context, Yuvraj had a strike rate of 196.87 against pacers when India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
A CHANGE OF MENTALITY, READY FOR ALL ROLES
One of the biggest transformations in Dub was in his mentality and awareness of the game. Even in the Dutch game, he remained unfazed after scoring just 2 off his first 9 balls and patiently waited for the right moment to step up.
Dube spoke about this development after a valiant knock against New Zealand in Vizag.
“It’s just the hard work that I’m doing. I’m improving my mindset because I’m playing all these matches now. I’m batting in tough situations. So all those things, now I know what’s going to happen, what major things the bowlers are going to come at me with. That’s a key point for my batting and bowling,” Dube said.
Add to that his physical transformation and you see a player entering his prime, ready to take on whatever batting role the team requires.
“Dube has worked very hard. He has reduced his weight and increased his strength. He has increased his muscle mass. His bowling pace has also increased. He bowled at 130-131 kmph today,” said Nayar.
A MUCH BETTER BOWLER
Perhaps Dube’s most notable improvement has come with the ball. This is the same bowler who once conceded 34 runs in a T20I against New Zealand in 2020.
In 2025, Dube averaged 17.92 with the ball and took 12 wickets in 17 matches. In 2026, his numbers improved further — averaging 17.5 with six goals from nine games.
In the 2026 T20 World Cup, he took three wickets in four matches at an average of 15.33. More importantly, these weren’t meaningless goals at the death. Dube’s improved bowling gave Suryakumar the confidence to hand him the ball (Courtesy: PTI)
Against the Netherlands, he struck at a crucial time, dismissing Bas de Leede, who was well set for 33 off 23 balls. He was then entrusted with the final tackle – and he delivered, sealing India’s victory.
“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.”
It’s a role reminiscent of Yuvraj’s contribution during the 2011 World Cup when MS Dhoni showed him complete confidence with the ball – and he responded with 15 wickets in nine matches.
While early comparisons may have shaped the narrative, Dube is now carving out his own identity in this Indian side. Yet in many ways he is developing into a Yuvraj-esque match-winner – a player capable of being the difference between India retaining the T20 World Cup crown and falling short.
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Published on:
February 20, 2026