India vs Ireland: Birthday boy Shivam Dube joins an elite club, becoming only the fourth Indian to…

Birthday boy Shivam Dube celebrates with Prasidh Krishna after taking a wicket. (Photo Credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: Shivam Dube turned 33 in style on Friday, marking his birthday with a rare and memorable feat during India’s first T20I against Ireland in Belfast – becoming only the fourth Indian bowler to take a T20I wicket on his birthday.As the fourth pace option, Dube was brought into the attack in the eighth over and made an immediate impact. He struck on his very first delivery to dismiss Benjamin Calitz, who made 15 off 11 balls with two sixes as Ireland looked to build momentum.Dube’s short delivery dropped the batter into a mistimed pull and sent the top edge of the loop to fine leg where Prasidh Krishna completed a comfortable catch after running back and keeping his eyes glued to the ball.It was a birthday present for Dube to remember – his 32nd T20I wicket in his 65th international appearance in the format.

Elite birthday club with Indian stars

With the wicket, Dube joined the highly exclusive list of Indian cricketers who have taken a T20I wicket on their birthday. Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are in the club – names that underline the rarity of the act.Yuvraj Singh was the first to do so, returning 3 for 23 against Sri Lanka in Mohali in 2009. Ravindra Jadeja joined the list a decade later with 1-30 against West Indies in Hyderabad on his 31st birthday in 2019.Kuldeep Yadav has done it twice – first with a stunning 5 for 17 against South Africa in Johannesburg on his 29th birthday and again with 2 for 12 against the same opposition in Dharamsala on his 32nd birthday.Dube’s inclusion adds a fresh name to a quirky but prestigious statistical club and combines celebration with on-field impact.

Indian cricketers pick a T20I wicket on their birthday

Yuvraj Singh (2009)
Ravindra Jadeja (2019)
Kuldeep Yadav (2023 and 2025)
Shivam Dube (2026)

A clever spell in a high score competition

Dube finished with figures of 1 for 18 in three overs as Ireland posted a competitive 182 for 9 in their 20 overs.The all-rounder, now in his 65th T20I, has quietly built up a useful international record. Prior to this match, he had 31 wickets and 991 runs at an average of 30.96, including six half-centuries, reflecting his growing value as a genuine dual-role option.