Shivam Dube played down any comparisons with senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya after his impressive three-wicket haul in India’s Asia Cup 2025 clash against UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, September 10. Calling Hardik a brother, Dube said he aims to learn from the experienced player and keep improving his own game.
Dube was included in India’s XI ahead of pacer Arshdeep Singh for the Group A match and made the most of the chance, returning figures of 3/4 in two overs. Bowling first, India bowled UAE out for 57before chasing the target in just 4.3 overs. At the press conference, Dube dismissed any rivalry with Pandya, saying:
“Hardik is like a brother from whom I learn a lot of things. He has so much more experience, both in IPL and international cricket, compared to me. Comparison, I never thought of. My only endeavor is to learn as much as I can from his vast experience.”
The 32-year-old cricketer acknowledged putting in significant effort to improve his bowling and praised bowling coach Morne Morkel for offering valuable guidance. The CSK all-rounder further stated:
“Morne has been working with me since I came back into the Indian team for the England series. He has given me certain specific advice and I worked on them. The head coach and the skipper had told me that my bowling will have a role to play. For the last two months, I have worked a great deal on my fitness.”
“Middle Overs Are My Responsibility” – Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube, valued mainly for his explosive batting in the middle and late overs of T20Is rather than his bowling, confessed that he previously struggled against bouncers. He added that he has dedicated time and effort to overcome this issue. He mentioned:
“As far as my batting is concerned, I know I have a role to play in the middle overs. Over the years, bowlers targeted me with short balls, and I have worked on increasing my range of shots.”
After defeating the UAE in their first Asia Cup 2025 match, India will play against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, September 14.
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