India’s thrilling five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai was a night of unforgettable performances. While Tilak Varma deservedly earned accolades for his match-winning 69 not out, the crucial contributions of all-rounder Shivam Dube should not be overlooked.
Dube showcased his versatility by opening the bowling in the absence of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, delivering an economical spell of three overs for just 23 runs. Later, with India in a tricky situation at 77 for four in the 13th over, Dube stepped up to the plate. He unleashed a fantastic 33 runs off only 22 balls, featuring two towering sixes and two fours, forming a decisive 60-run partnership with Varma that ultimately steered India to victory.
Witnessing Dube’s stellar performance was his former coach, Satish Samant, who expressed immense pride. Samant, who trained Dube at his Sanjeevani Cricket Academy in Bandra, recalled the 32-year-old’s unique journey. “He was 17 when his father, Rajesh Dube, first brought him to my academy,” Samant shared. Interestingly, Dube had taken a break from cricket for about four years, having initially trained at the Chandrakant Pandit Coaching Clinic before quitting at the age of 13.
Upon his return at 17, Samant was immediately struck by Dube’s impressive stature, standing at six feet four inches. “I initially wanted him to focus on becoming a seamer,” Samant explained. “But when I saw him bat in the nets, I quickly recognized his potential to become a skilled all-rounder, much like myself.”
Samant’s coaching career includes stints as the Mumbai head coach for the Irani Cup (2009-10) and as an assistant coach for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL (2009-2010), alongside coaching Mumbai’s Under-17, Under-19, and Under-22 teams. He reminisced about Dube’s progression under his guidance: “A year after joining my academy, I secured him a scholarship with the Air India team and arranged for him to play for Karnatak Sporting in local cricket. Later, he received an offer from DY Patil. As he was playing in ‘C’ Division for Air India, I advised him to join DY Patil, where he would gain exposure to their T20 tournament and other local competitions.”
Dube’s move to DY Patil proved pivotal. He delivered a sensational performance in their T20 final, taking a six-wicket haul and scoring an unbeaten 36 runs, earning him the ‘Player of the Final’ award. From there, his career trajectory soared, leading to selections for Mumbai, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and ultimately, the Indian national team.
Regarding Dube’s formidable six-hitting prowess, Samant revealed, “It’s all about his incredible reach. He possesses long levers that allow him to send the ball a considerable distance. While you might observe hints of Yuvraj Singh in his batting style, Shivam has never tried to emulate him; it’s simply his inherent, natural flair.”
The coach painted a picture of Dube as a dedicated and grounded individual. “Shivam is a hardworking, sincere, and humble young man. His politeness and respectful demeanor are rare qualities among today’s top cricketers,” Samant praised. “He always had potential, but his unwavering hard work, sincerity, and sacrifices for the game are what truly propelled him to play for India. He even committed to improving his fitness, shedding some extra weight he carried earlier. His father also played a significant role in his development. He’s a highly focused player who consistently excels in any role he’s given. I believe he will represent India for a long time.”
Samant particularly commended Dube for rising to the occasion in the Asia Cup final, especially with Hardik Pandya sidelined due to a quadriceps injury. “He single-handedly transformed the game yesterday,” Samant asserted. “It wasn’t just about big hitting; he adeptly rotated the strike as well. Had we lost a wicket when he walked in, the pressure would have mounted significantly. He responded flawlessly to the situation. With Hardik out, there was immense pressure on Shivam to perform, and he met that challenge magnificently. I also thought his bowling was excellent.”
“It was a shame he was caught on the boundary, otherwise he would have undoubtedly finished the game with another six,” the 58-year-old coach concluded.