Team India given reality check about Shivam Dube’s ‘all-rounder’ abilities: ‘He can concede 6 sixes in an over’

T20 World Cup 2026: In the ongoing tournament, Shivam Dube has also taken four wickets in three innings, at an economy rate of 10.63.

Updated on: Feb 24, 2026, 10:51:50 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Mohammad Kaif slammed India's decision to use Shivam Dube's bowling abilities in their recent T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 defeat against South Africa. The co-hosts crashed to a 76-run defeat in their Super 8 opener, their first loss of the tournament. Although Dube did take a wicket, he conceded 32 runs from only two overs.

India's Shivam Dube bowls a delivery during the ongoing T20 World Cup. (PTI)

In the ongoing tournament, Dube has also taken four wickets in three innings, at an economy rate of 10.63. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif claimed that Dube is strictly a batter, and 'not an all-rounder'.

Also Read: India staring at semifinal squeeze after West Indies’ dominant Zimbabwe win - Qualification equation explained

‘He is not an all-rounder’: Mohammad Kaif on Shivam Dube

"With the field and his plan to bowl wide to Brevis, Dube showed that he wanted to be very defensive. Nobody bowls defensively in the 10th over. You looked to attack and try to take a wicket at that time. According to me, Dube is a batter; he is not an all-rounder," he said.

Kaif also warned Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir that Dube could even concede four sixes in an over against a team like West Indies. "We don't need an all-rounder who bowls at 120 kph. He might take an odd wicket but will always go for runs. He can even concede four sixes in an over against West Indies," he said.

Chasing 188 runs, India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs as Marco Jansen took a four-wicket haul, and Keshav Maharaj bagged three dismissals. Meanwhile, Corbin Bosch took two wickets. Shivam Dube top-scored for India with a knock of 42 runs off 37 balls. Initially, David Miller's 35-ball 63 took South Africa to 187/7 in 20 overs. For India's bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets, and Arshdeep Singh bagged two dismissals.

India face Zimbabwe in their upcoming Super 8 fixture on Thursday. Then they take on the West Indies in their final Super 8 fixture on Sunday. Kaif also had a selection suggestion for Suryakumar and Gambhir, urging them to use Sanju Samson.

"There should be a balance in everything. We have gone overboard with lefties, where there are six left-handed batters in the top eight. Hardik is coming at No. 5 for the left-right combination. If you think it could be your winning formula, make a squad keeping that in mind. Bring in Sanju to get that left-right combination," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.