Shivam Dube no longer just a finisher, says Gavaskar; calls him India’s T20 World Cup weapon

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar believes Shivam Dube has outgrown the label of being just a late-order hitter and is now emerging as a complete T20I option for India.

Despite India’s 50-run loss to New Zealand in the Vizag T20I, Gavaskar said Dube’s all-round development stood out as a major positive ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The match underlined how Dube’s role has evolved during the series. In Raipur, he was tasked with providing a late flourish and delivered with a brisk 36 off 18 balls. Vizag, however, presented a far tougher challenge. India were reeling at 63 for four when Dube walked in, and the dismissal of Rinku Singh soon after left him largely isolated at the crease.

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar praised how Dube handled the pressure.

“I thought he grabbed the opportunity really well. When you bat at six or seven, you usually get three or four overs with a strong Indian batting line-up. This time he had to come in much earlier. He showed intent from the very first ball — that first-ball six went straight into the second tier,” Gavaskar said.

Beyond the finisher tag

Dube’s innings in Vizag marked a clear shift in perception. He announced his intent by launching Mitchell Santner for a six and continued attacking even as wickets fell around him. Often seen as a batter who dominates spin, Dube also showed his ability against pace. He brought up his half-century in just 15 balls — the third-fastest by an Indian in T20Is.

“When you play a shot like that early, your confidence goes through the roof. He knows that if he connects, the ball is going into the stands. To get the third-fastest fifty for India puts him in elite company — Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma, and now Shivam Dube,” Gavaskar noted.

A genuine all-round option

Dube eventually smashed 65 off 23 balls, hitting seven sixes and three fours, dragging India from 82 for five to 145 for six. However, after conceding 215 earlier in the match, India were bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs, with Dube’s run-out ending their final hopes.

While the defeat hurt, Gavaskar urged a broader view.

“The fact that he can bowl a couple of overs makes him extremely valuable. Coming in early will also change how he sees himself — not just as a finisher, but someone who can build an innings and finish it under pressure.”

Dube’s bowling numbers back that assessment. After a tough start to his international career, his averages have improved steadily — from 28.8 in 2024 to 17.91 in 2025 and 19.66 in 2026. Over the last three years, he has taken 20 wickets in 36 matches and even opened the bowling in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, conceding just 23 runs in three overs.

In the ongoing series, Dube has picked up three wickets from six overs across four matches. While Vizag ended in disappointment, his rise as a dependable all-rounder remains a significant boost for India’s T20 World Cup preparations.