Fans were left amused when a young supporter asked Team India all-rounder Shivam Dube for an autograph just as he was about to walk out to bat during the fifth and final T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad. In a clip shared on X, a fully padded-up Dube was seen seated in the dugout, politely signalling to the child that he would sign later.
The seam-bowling all-rounder had a brief but impactful outing in the match on Friday, December 19. Walking in during the final over, Dube faced just three deliveries but struck 10 runs, including a four and a six, helping India post a match-winning total of 231/5. Hereโs the clip capturing the amusing moment:
๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ: ๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ก
In the India vs South Africa match, Shivam Dube was fully padded up, sitting there, ready to walk in to bat.
And then a small kid starts ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ป๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐น๐, โ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ท๐ข๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐ฃ๐ฆโฆโฆ pic.twitter.com/crQJUT8NJ5โ Jara (@JARA_Memer) December 19, 2025
South Africa did mount a serious challenge in the chase, led by a 69-run opening partnership between Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks. De Kock then added a further 51 runs alongside Dewald Brevis, but his dismissal for 65 swung the momentum in Indiaโs favour.
The remaining batters failed to keep the tempo going, and the visitors eventually fell 30 runs short, losing the five-match series 3-1. Hardik Pandya was named Player of the Match for his explosive 63-run innings and bowling figures of 3-0-41-1.
Shivam Dube In Contention For T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old is a strong contender for selection in Indiaโs T20 World Cup 2026 squad, which is set to be announced on Saturday, December 20, in Mumbai. Known for his power-hitting and seam bowling, Dube is expected to share the all-rounder responsibilities alongside Hardik Pandya.
Shivam Dube was also part of Indiaโs T20 World Cup-winning team in 2024, contributing a crucial 27 off 16 balls in the final as India defeated South Africa by six runs. The Men in Blue will play another five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21.
India will kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, taking on the USA in their opening match.
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