Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan praised Shivam Dube for his all-round contributions in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 28. Having been rested for the Super 4 match against Sri Lanka, Dube returned to the XI and delivered an economical spell of 0-23 in three overs, along with a crucial 33 off 22 balls with the bat.
With Hardik Pandya unavailable, Dube took on the role of a frontline seam bowler. He was particularly effective with the new ball, giving away just 12 runs in his first two overs while keeping Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan under control, laying a strong platform for the team’s bowling attack.
Coming in to bat after Sanju Samson’s dismissal in the 13th over, Dube faced a challenging situation with the required run rate climbing. His timely and impactful innings proved vital in steering India through the final stages of the chase. The left-handed batsman struck some crucial boundaries to trouble Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.
While he couldn’t finish the innings, he contributed significantly before being caught in the deep by Shaheen Afridi in the penultimate over. Irfan Pathan highlighted how Shivam Dube stepped into an unfamiliar role and executed it flawlessly in the high-pressure Asia Cup final against Pakistan.
“Shivam Dube’s innings was brilliant, it was very important. He played some crucial shots. That six off Haris Rauf, that was extremely crucial, if that was not hit, the equation of 17 runs needed off the last 2 overs would not have been possible. It might have been more complicated,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
“If any other team lost their premier all-rounder like India did with Hardik Pandya, that team would crumble. Imagine the pressure Shivam Dube was under. Playing the final against Pakistan, bowling with the new ball. He gave away only 12 runs off his first two overs with the new ball, and I think that was a huge factor for India,” he added.
“Well Done Selectors”- Pathan Hails India’s All-Rounder Depth
Irfan Pathan also praised the team management for developing a strong pool of all-rounders, making Hardik Pandya’s absence less impactful in crucial situations.
“Hardik Pandya has been injured before in the 2018 Asia Cup, the 2023 ODI World Cup, and now just before the final. So, India has made sure that they have 3 all-rounders. So, well done to the selectors and coaches for not letting Hardik’s injury affect their plan,” the all-rounder said.
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