Shivam Dube drops bombshell on rivalry with Hardik Pandya; reveals secrets of his improved bowling

Shivam Dube is no longer just a power hitter trying to find his place, as he is emerging as a complete all-rounder India can rely on. Shivam Dube’s performance in India’s 2025 Asia Cup opener against the UAE left no doubt about his growing stature as an all-rounder.

With a stunning spell of three wickets for just four runs in two overs, Dube’s contribution with the ball proved that he is more than just a big hitter. The seam bowling all-rounder’s sharp, disciplined bowling ripped the UAE’s middle order into pieces on Sunday, September 10, in Dubai.

Hardik Pandya is like my brother: Shivam Dube

His efforts were instrumental in India’s easy nine-wicket victory over the UAE in their first game in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday. Dube’s spell overshadowed Hardik Pandya’s outing, where the seasoned all-rounder conceded 10 runs in his only over against the UAE.

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After the Asia Cup 2025 clash, Dube dismissed any rivalry or competition with Hardik Pandya. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder has called Pandya a mentor and elder brother. Dube revealed that he is constantly seeking advice, picking up tips from Hardik, and focusing only on growth and improvement rather than getting caught up in comparisons.

Shivam Dube said at the post-match presentation, “Hardik Pandya is the kind of player from whom I keep learning. He is like my brother. His experience in the IPL and international cricket is huge. I want to learn as much as I can from him. I keep asking him questions, even about batting. I have never thought about comparisons. All I want, playing alongside him, is to learn and use that knowledge to improve myself.”

Shivam Dube credits Morne Morkel for his improved bowling

Meanwhile, Shivam Dube’s rise is the result of hard work and smart coaching. He intensely worked with the Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel. They worked on improving his accuracy, developing slower balls, and adjusting his run-up, and that made him a stronger bowler.

The star all-rounder added, “Morne has been working with me since I came back into the Indian team for the England series. He has given me certain specific advice, and I worked on it. The head coach and the skipper had told me that my bowling will have a role to play.”

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How Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav supported Shivam Dube?

Recalling Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav’s words, Shivam said: “The captain and coach told me beforehand that I would bowl. ‘We have confidence in you,’ they said. My bowling coach helped me with a lot of things. I had been preparing for a long time to be ready whenever the opportunity came. What happened today was the reward for that preparation.”

Dube also revealed that he has been working hard on his fitness for the past two months. Speaking about his batting, he is well aware of his role in the middle overs. He signed off by saying, “Over the years, bowlers targeted me with short balls, and I have worked on increasing my range of shots.”

India will next face their fierce rivals, Pakistan, in Dubai on Sunday, September 14, in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, and Dube will be looking forward to continuing his form and making a big impact in the high-stakes clash.