'He produces unbelievable batting performances' - Irfan Pathan lauds India star following team’s resounding win in T20 World Cup 2026 final

Shivam Dube proved to be a pivotal figure in India's victorious T20 World Cup 2026 journey. While the accomplished all-rounder contributed with five wickets, it was his exceptional batting displays that captivated cricket fans. Across eight innings, the 32-year-old accumulated an impressive 235 runs, maintaining an average of 39.17 and a formidable strike rate of 169.07.

During the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand, held on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Dube delivered a vital unbeaten cameo, smashing 26 runs from just eight deliveries. His rapid scoring was instrumental in pushing India beyond the 250-run threshold, especially after James Neesham's triple-wicket over had somewhat stifled the Men in Blue's momentum.

Irfan Pathan emphasized the critical impact of Dube's 24 runs in the final over of India's innings, where he bludgeoned Neesham for three fours and two sixes. The former Indian all-rounder asserted that Dube's explosive hitting in the death overs was crucial for India to reclaim their lost momentum.

“Shivam Dube consistently plays such pivotal innings. He delivers truly astonishing batting performances. Even in the last over of the final, the tide turned the moment Shivam Dube stepped up to bat. After the 15th and 16th overs, our momentum had faltered because Jimmy Neesham had taken three wickets in a single over,” Pathan remarked on his YouTube channel.

“However, when that very same bowler returned to bowl the 20th over, Shivam Dube unleashed a barrage of boundaries against him. India desperately needed an over exceeding 20 runs, and he delivered precisely that. This is how the team managed to surpass the 250-run total, largely owing to Shivam Dube’s exceptional batting. It was truly a magnificent effort,” he further elaborated.

Irfan Pathan's Strong Endorsement: "He Has Also Enhanced His Hitting Against Fast Bowling"

While acknowledging that Dube's bowling still has scope for refinement, Pathan, the former cricketer now commentator, lauded the Mumbai-born player for the remarkable strides he has made in his batting prowess against quick bowlers.

“Naturally, discussions about his bowling persist, and it certainly has the potential to improve further, which it likely will. But he possesses a formidable physique. He effectively utilizes his height and reach. Furthermore, he has significantly enhanced his ability to strike against fast bowling, demonstrating his continuous dedication to refining his batting skills. And today, when he also executed shots on the off side, hitting over mid-off and through the covers, it rendered him even more threatening. Consequently, bowling to him becomes an even greater challenge. So, tremendous credit to Shivam Dube. He has now rightfully earned the title of a world champion.”