Shivam Dube's Transformative Journey: From Batting Specialist to Reliable All-Rounder
Indian cricket has witnessed the remarkable evolution of Shivam Dube, whose recent performances highlight a significant transformation in his all-round capabilities. The improvement in Dube's bowling has positioned him as one of the six or even seven bowling options India can rely on for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Though he hasn't been required to bowl his full quota of four overs consistently, the Indian team management has shown increasing confidence in his abilities by handing him the ball in crucial situations, and Dube has responded by taking timely wickets that have shifted match momentum.
The Mindset Shift: Cross-Training Between Batting and Bowling
Speaking after a recent match where India suffered a 50-run defeat, Dube revealed an intriguing aspect of his development. "I am getting better with my mindset because I am playing all these matches now," Dube explained. "I am batting in different situations. So, now I know what's going to happen and what the bowler is going to bowl to me. That's the key point for my batting and bowling as well."
This cross-pollination of skills represents a significant breakthrough in Dube's career. The all-rounder emphasized that regular match play has provided him with invaluable experience that translates across disciplines. "I am bowling thanks to Gauti (Gautam Gambhir) bhai and Surya (Suryakumar Yadav). They have given me the bowling opportunity. So, when you bowl, you become a little smart. So, I am working on that as well and yes, I am trying to develop some more skills," Dube added, acknowledging the support from team leadership.
Technical Improvements and Strategic Deployment
While Dube has been bowling regularly in net sessions with both the Indian national team and during IPL campaigns, his actual match bowling opportunities were limited until recently. During his time with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, he was primarily used as an Impact Player or was rarely summoned to bowl. However, the Indian team management has been actively grooming his bowling skills in recent months, recognizing his potential as a backup option when regular bowlers have an off day.
Dube's physical attributes have contributed significantly to his bowling improvement. Thanks to his height, he has developed the ability to land cutters effectively and hit the deck to generate a spongy bounce that batsmen find difficult to handle. His pace, mostly in the mid-120s to early-130s km/h range, presents challenges when he maintains good length, though anything short or full has occasionally been punished. Over time, however, he has shown rapid improvement in his bowling consistency and effectiveness.
"I have worked really hard," Dube stated about his bowling development. "But there is something I have got opportunity to bowl, bat, I do everything in the match. So, there is something called experience. So, that has come to me and that is going in the right direction."
Batting Prowess: Expanding Range Across Bowling Types
With the bat, Dube continues to demonstrate why he's considered one of India's most dangerous middle-order hitters. Despite opponents being well aware of his strengths, he hasn't found the going difficult. Against spinners, Dube seems to have expanded his range significantly, but more importantly, he has shown he can take down pacers as and when he wishes, as was evident in the final of the Asia Cup.
In a recent match against New Zealand, despite India's 50-run defeat, Dube proved his mettle with the bat once again, scoring 65 off just 23 deliveries. His innings was particularly severe on Ish Sodhi, and he even turned the heat on Mitchell Santner, hitting seven sixes in his explosive knock. His quickfire innings briefly gave India hope before his dismissal curtailed the chase.
"There are many things people upgrade. For me also, it is very important," Dube explained about his batting philosophy. "I can't be the same what I was. I try to be a little better, a little smart in the next game when I am playing. So, I learn that how to be a little smart and what are my strengths and where I can target those."
Dube emphasized the importance of understanding match-ups and team requirements: "It's very important about the match-up. So, they want me to hit spinners. That is my role to get the strike rate high in middle-overs. That is what I always try. Not about the spinners but fast bowlers as well. But yeah, definitely there is something where I know that this is my strength. I can give pressure to the opponents on that phase. So, my mindset is very clear at that."
Instinctive Brilliance: The Sodhi Over
Regarding his devastating assault on Ish Sodhi, where he hit the spinner for two fours and four sixes in a single over, Dube revealed it was more instinct than premeditation. "There was no game plan at that time," he admitted. "There were some instincts from my side. I thought that okay, it's difficult to hit spinners. He was bowling well. But I knew that even he is a little scared. He is going to bowl me the bad ball. I was ready for that. So, I wanted to dominate at that time and that is what I did."
This combination of preparation and instinct represents the new dimension Dube brings to the Indian team. His ability to read situations, whether with bat or ball, and adapt accordingly makes him an increasingly valuable asset as India prepares for major tournaments. The seamless transfer of lessons from batting to bowling and vice-versa marks Dube's emergence as a genuine all-rounder rather than just a batting specialist who can bowl occasionally.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, Dube's dual development offers India strategic flexibility and depth. His journey from being primarily a batting option to becoming a reliable bowling alternative demonstrates the value of persistence, cross-training, and the confidence shown by team management in nurturing multi-dimensional players.
