In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cricket, a new breed of all-rounder is emerging, and Shivam Dube stands tall amongst them. This powerful left-handed batsman and right-arm medium pacer, born on June 26, 1993, has been steadily carving his niche in the cricketing world. With his explosive batting and his ability to bowl with genuine pace, Shivam Dube is a player who can single-handedly alter the course of a match.
Dube's cricketing journey began in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. From a young age, his cricketing talent was undeniable. He honed his skills playing in local tournaments, his raw power and natural flair catching the eye of selectors. His dedication and perseverance propelled him through the ranks of Mumbai cricket, eventually earning him a spot in the Mumbai Under-23 team in the 2015-16 season. This was just the beginning of a promising career for Shivam Dube.
The 2017-18 season proved to be a turning point for Shivam Dube. Making his debut for Mumbai in the prestigious Ranji Trophy, India's premier first-class cricket tournament, Dube announced his arrival with a bang. He not only showcased his clean hitting with the bat, but also surprised everyone with a five-wicket haul, demonstrating his bowling prowess. His consistent performances throughout the season not only earned him plaudits from critics but also attracted the attention of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises.
In the 2019 IPL auction, Shivam Dube's name was on everyone's lips. His exploits in the Ranji Trophy, particularly the famous feat of hitting five sixes in an over, had made him a hot commodity. A fierce bidding war ensued, and eventually, the Royal Challengers Bangalore secured his services for a whopping INR 5 crore. This marked a significant moment in Shivam Dube's career, propelling him onto the national stage and providing him with the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in cricket.
While his stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore was a learning experience, in the 2020 IPL auction, the Rajasthan Royals secured Dube for INR 4.40 crore. Here, he continued to showcase his all-around abilities, contributing valuable runs with the bat and providing crucial breakthroughs with his bowling. Shivam Dube's powerful hitting and his ability to bowl with accuracy made him a valuable asset to the Rajasthan Royals' squad.
However, Shivam Dube's ambitions extended beyond the IPL. His ultimate goal was to represent India on the international stage. In late 2019, his dream came true when he was selected for the Indian T20I squad for their series against Bangladesh. He made a composed debut, showcasing his temperament and ability to handle pressure at the highest level. Later that same year, he also earned a call-up to the Indian ODI squad for their series against the West Indies.
While Shivam Dube's international career is still in its nascent stages, his performances have been promising. In early 2024, he emerged as the highest run-scorer for Team India in the T20I series against Afghanistan, showcasing his ability to dominate attacks with his aggressive batting. His scores of 60 off 40 balls and 63 off 32 balls displayed his clean hitting and his potential to be a match-winner for India. Dube's ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable all-rounder, a rare breed in modern cricket.
Beyond the cricketing field, Shivam Dube is a grounded individual who enjoys spending time with his family. He married Anjum Khan in 2021, and they welcomed their first child in 2022. Fatherhood seems to have instilled a renewed sense of focus in Dube, and he is determined to make his mark on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Shivam Dube's future in Indian cricket appears bright. He is a young and talented player with a unique skillset. As he continues to gain experience and refine his technique, one can only expect him to become a mainstay in the Indian team across all formats. His power hitting, his ability to bowl with pace, and his energetic presence on the field make him an exciting cricketer to watch. Shivam Dube's journey has only just begun, and cricket fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see what remarkable feats he will achieve in the years to come.
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