Shivam Dube: Evaluating Increased Bowling Role in T20 Internationals
Shivam Dube’s journey in T20 Internationals has seen a significant evolution since his debut in 2019. Initially called up to replace Hardik Pandya due to injury, Dube was recognized for his dual capabilities as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Despite a promising start on paper, early performances were underwhelming.
Shivam Dube: Enhanced Bowling Role in T20 Internationals
Fast forward to 2022-2026, Dube has transformed into a formidable finisher in the Indian batting lineup. His capability with the bat has greatly improved, but his bowling potential remains underutilized in T20Is. This raises the question of whether Dube should be more frequently utilized as a bowling option.
Bowling Statistics and Performance
In his T20I career, Dube has participated in 56 matches and bowled in only 37 innings, delivering a total of 77 overs. His bowling record features:
- Wickets: 26
- Bowling Average: 27.23
- Economy Rate: 9.19
- Best Bowling Figures: 3/4
- Strike Rate: 17.7
Although he has yet to secure a four-wicket haul, he has demonstrated the ability to take crucial wickets when called upon.
Key Bowling Moments
Shivam Dube’s bowling performances have shown significant promise, particularly during the Asia Cup 2025 and other key series:
- Against UAE in Dubai: 2 overs, 4 runs, 3 wickets.
- Against Pakistan in Dubai: 4 overs, 33 runs, 2 wickets.
- Against Australia in late 2025: 2/20, removing both Mitchell Marsh and Tim David.
- Against Zimbabwe in July 2024: 4 overs, 25 runs, 2 wickets.
- Early career highlight: 3/30 against Bangladesh in Nagpur (2019).
- Recent notable figures in 2025-26 include:
- 2/11 vs England at Wankhede
- 2/28 vs New Zealand at Nagpur
- 1/1 in just 0.3 overs against South Africa
Current Utilization and Future Prospects
India’s approach currently prioritizes batting depth up to No. 8. With several specialist bowlers in the lineup, Dube often finds himself as the sixth bowling option. This strategy has resulted in captains opting to test their primary bowlers over utilizing Dube.
Modern T20 cricket, however, necessitates flexibility. Dube’s considerable height (6’4″) enables him to generate bounce and bowl effective cutters, ideal for slower pitches. His coaches, including Morne Morkel and Gautam Gambhir, have diligently worked on optimizing his bowling technique.
Dube himself acknowledges that enhanced fitness levels enable him to bowl four overs if required. While averaging an impressive 27.23 with the ball is commendable, the situation calls for a clearer strategy regarding his role as an all-rounder.
If Dube is viewed primarily as a finisher, his limited bowling may be justified. However, in critical tournaments like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, a regular expectation of two overs from him could alleviate the burden on frontline bowlers and enhance team performance.
