Ex-KKR star claims Shivam Dube is a combination of 'Yuvraj Singh & MS Dhoni'

Shivam Dube has quietly made a massive impact for India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The star all-rounder has become an important part of the defending champions with both bat and ball. He has stepped in during tough situations and helped India keep its momentum at the event.

In seven matches so far, Shivam Dube has amassed 166 runs and also picked up five wickets, proving his value as an all-rounder for the Men in Blue in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. His biggest highlight came against the Netherlands when he smashed a stunning 66 runs from just 31 balls.

India's batting depth pushes Shivam Dube lower but he still delivers

It was the highest individual score by an Indian batter coming in at number five or lower in T20 World Cup history. Despite his impressive performances, former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary believes Shivam Dube’s real importance goes beyond the statistics.

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He pointed out that the depth in India’s batting line-up often pushes Dube lower down the order, which means he gets fewer chances to play long innings; still, he has delivered. A perfect example came during India’s high-pressure chase against the West Indies at Eden Gardens.

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'Dhoni-Yuvraj के बाद, Shivam Dube हैं India के ideal finisher'

🗣️ @tiwarymanoj और @kartikmurali ने की बल्लेबाज़ की जमकर तारीफ़, Cricbuzz Live हिन्दी पर#T20WorldCup #India pic.twitter.com/VY1WrYXO4n

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 5, 2026

Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz: “Shivam Dubey is such a player who has always performed well and is still not able to come up in the batting order. This means that there is so much depth in batting that he has to come so far back. But the management is using him very well, and because of that, he is delivering. It feels very good.”

Manoj Tiwary praises Shivam Dube’s smart finishing skills

India were chasing a huge target of 196 runs, and the match had reached a tense stage in the final overs. While Sanju Samson was holding one end firmly, the team needed someone to finish the job quickly. Dube walked in during the final moments and made an immediate impact.

He played just four balls but made them count, hitting two powerful boundaries at a strike rate of 200, giving India the push they needed to complete a record chase, and the Bengal minister felt that this is where Dube’s real strength lies.

The former Indian batter lauded Shivam Dube for the way he carefully reads the field, and sometimes he goes for a big hit, while sometimes he uses gaps with clever placement. This mix of power and smart cricket makes him a dangerous finisher in the shortest format.

Dube is India's best finisher after MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh: Tiwary

Tiwary explained, “The situation was not easy for him. If he had not hit four, the pressure would have increased on him. Because it is always seen that it looks easy, but it is not easy. This is his quality because of which he sends the low full toss to wide long on for a boundary with so much ease. And then the way he glided the ball, he realized that I have to either meet late or move forward so that I get a gap. So, it is not just about big hitting; he plays with his mind.”

He also believes that India has found another reliable match finisher in Dube after legends like MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh. The cricket pandit signed off by saying, “He is a very good finisher India has got after MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh, who can finish the match like this. He should be given equal credit.”

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