Shivam Dube called a useless all-rounder by ex-RCB star in brutal attack

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has questioned the decision to use Shivam Dube as a bowler during India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against South Africa. Kaif's comments came after India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat in their Super 8 opener, which was also their first loss of the tournament.

Shivam Dube took one wicket in the match but conceded 32 runs in just two overs. The medium pacer has been used as India’s sixth bowling option in the ongoing tournament. He has taken four wickets in three innings so far, but his economy rate stands at a high 10.63, which has kept his bowling under scrutiny.

Shivam Dube Can Even Concede Four Sixes in an Over - Mohammad Kaif

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif said that Shivam Dube should not be called an all-rounder, describing him as a batter. He warned that Dube could even concede four sixes in an over against a side like the West Indies.

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"With the field and his plan to bowl wide to Brevis, Dube showed that he wanted to be very defensive. Nobody bowls defensively in the 10th over. You looked to attack and try to take a wicket at that time. According to me, Dube is a batter; he is not an all-rounder," Kaif said.

"We don't need an all-rounder who bowls at 120 kph. He might take an odd wicket but will always go for runs. He can even concede four sixes in an over against West Indies," he added.

Bring in Sanju Samson to Get the Left-Right Combination - Mohammad Kaif

In the same video, Mohammad Kaif said that India have too many left-handed batters in the batting lineup. Kaif pointed out that six left-handers feature in the top eight and added that bringing in Sanju Samson could help restore a proper left-right balance in the lineup.

"There should be a balance in everything. We have gone overboard with lefties, where there are six left-handed batters in the top eight," Kaif opined.

"Hardik is coming at No. 5 for the left-right combination. If you think it could be your winning formula, make a squad keeping that in mind. Bring in Sanju to get that left-right combination."

Shivam Dube Top-Scored for India in Loss to South Africa

Chasing 188 runs, India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs. Marco Jansen took four wickets, while Keshav Maharaj picked up three dismissals and Corbin Bosch bagged two. Shivam Dube was India’s top scorer with 42 off 37 balls and the only batter to cross 20.

Earlier, David Miller guided the Proteas to a total of 187/7. The left-handed batter scored 63 off 35 balls despite losing three early wickets. For India, Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets, and Arshdeep Singh added two.

India will play Zimbabwe on Thursday before meeting the West Indies on Sunday in their final Super 8 game. After the heavy loss, questions remain over changes to the batting order, with Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir possibly considering Sanju Samson.

Also read: Pakistan vs England Weather Report, Super 8s: Rain forecast for T20 World Cup 2026 match