Shivam Dube: A boost for India’s allrounder ambitions

His bowling hasn't always cut it but the performance against the UAE in Asia Cup shows he’s moving in the right direction

- Somshuvra Laha

For someone who has taken 7/53 in a Ranji Trophy game, it’s probably not an exaggeration that Shivam Dube the bowler has been glaringly underutilised in the shortest format. It’s how the system works for or against you.

Dube's pace isn’t disconcerting, he might touch 135 kph if he cranks it up. His height should have been an advantage but somehow hasn't worked out as one. And then came the Impact Player rule of the IPL that limited Dube to a middle-overs enforcer with the bat at Chennai Super Kings. So much so that he wasn't needed to bowl in the 2024 World T20 final.

With this India setup, however, Dube seems to be getting a wider berth. One glance at the bowlers’ pool and you might feel Dube need not be stretched too much as long as Jasprit Bumrah and three spinners take care of 16 overs.

But what if Bumrah needs to be rested? Or one of the spinners have a bad day? Cementing the assurance that Dube can step up from bowling two overs to completing his quota is probably what's driving the management into seriously investing in his bowling.