R Ashwin and Shivam Dube (Image Agency) Ravichandran Ashwin played down the furore over Shivam Dube’s train journey after India’s 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 triumph, saying there was nothing extraordinary about it.Soon after India defeated the New Zealand cricket team in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8, Dube decided to travel from Ahmedabad to Mumbai by train instead of waiting for the team’s flight. Accompanied by his wife and a friend, the all-rounder boarded the Sayaji Nagari Express at 5.10 am and later explained that he would like to meet his father and son again. The moment quickly went viral, with fans praising its simplicity.However, speaking at a RevSportz event, Ashwin brushed off the excitement surrounding the incident. “I see news about Shivam Dube traveling by train. I don’t want to read such pieces. What’s the point? I traveled by train,” he said.
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Cricket stars gather for Kuldeep Yadav’s grand wedding reception | A night full of stars The former Indian off-spinner further emphasized that cricketers should be allowed to enjoy everyday experiences without being sensational. “I would like us… for international cricketers to go to chaiwalas and have chai with people. In fact, we have forgotten that the joys of life are in very small moments,” he added.Dube reportedly tried to avoid attention during the journey by wearing a cap, mask and a full-sleeved T-shirt while traveling in a three-tiered AC coach. A ticket inspector briefly suspected his identity after seeing his name on the booking chart, but the situation was diffused when his wife casually dismissed the possibility.On the field, Dube was one of the key contributors for India during their victorious campaign. He scored 235 runs in eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 169.06, bringing crucial cameos to help keep the momentum going. Having already been part of India’s success in 2024, he once again emerged as an underrated but vital figure in the 2026 triumph.
