‘He produces unbelievable batting performances’ – Irfan Pathan lauds India star following team’s resounding win in T20 World Cup 2026 final

Irfan Pathan. (Photo source: YouTube/Irfan Pathan)

Shivam Dube was one of the key players for India during their triumphant T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The star all-rounder picked up five wickets with the ball, but it was his batting performances that impressed cricket enthusiasts the most. In eight innings, the 32-year-old amassed 235 runs at an average of 39.17 and a strike rate of 169.07.

In the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8, Dube played a crucial cameo, scoring 26 not out off eight balls. This helped India get past the 250-run mark after James Neesham’s triple-wicket over had pegged the Men in Blue back somewhat.

Pathan highlighted the importance of the 24 runs Dube scored in the last over of India’s innings, smashing Neesham for three fours and two sixes. According to the former India all-rounder, Dube’s blitzkrieg towards the back end of the innings helped India regain momentum.

“Shivam Dube, how many crucial innings he plays. He produces unbelievable batting performances. Even in the last over of the final, the momentum had shifted when Shivam Dube came in to bat. After the 15th and 16th overs, the momentum had broken because Jimmy Neesham had taken three wickets in one over,” Pathan said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“But when the same bowler came to bowl the 20th over, Shivam Dube hit him for boundaries. India needed a big over of more than 20 runs, and that came. That is how the team managed to cross the 250-run mark, largely because of Shivam Dube’s batting. It was outstanding work,” he added.

“He has also improved his hitting against fast bowling” – Irfan Pathan’s massive statement on Shivam Dube

While Pathan said that there is room for improvement as far as Dube’s bowling is concerned, the cricketer-turned-commentator praised the Mumbai cricketer for the improvement he has shown in his batting against fast bowlers.

“Of course, there is still discussion about his bowling, and it can become even better, and it probably will. But he is a big unit. He uses his height and reach very well. He has also improved his hitting against fast bowling, which shows his constant effort to improve his batting. And today, when he also played shots on the off side, hitting over mid-off and between the covers, it made him even more dangerous. Bowling to him then becomes even more difficult. So very well done, Shivam Dube. He has now become a world champion.”

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