Should Shivam Dube bowl more often in T20Is?

When Shivam Dube made his T20I debut in 2019, it was largely on the back of Hardik Pandya’s injury. India were looking for a like-for-like replacement, a seam-bowling all-rounder who could add value with the bat and provide a sixth bowling option. Dube fit the role perfectly on paper. A tall left-hander who could clear boundaries and bowl medium pace, he was seen as a dual-role cricketer. However, his initial years with the Indian team were far from impactful, both with the bat and the ball.

Fast forward to 2022-26, and Dube has brought a new version. His batting has evolved significantly, especially in the finisher’s role, where he has become one of India’s most destructive middle-order hitters. But with visible improvement in his bowling, India hasn’t used him more frequently as a genuine bowling option in T20Is.

Shivam Dube’s bowling career in T20Is

In 56 matches, he has bowled in just 37 innings, delivering 77 overs and picking up 26 wickets at an average of 27.23 and an economy rate of 9.19. His best figures stand at 3/4, and while he hasn’t registered a four-wicket haul yet, the strike rate of 17.7 shows he can pick up wickets when given responsibility. Despite being selected as an all-rounder, Dube has often not been given the ball. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, he bowled in only one match and USA and was not required in other games. However, when given responsibility, Dube has delivered timely performances.

The Asia Cup 2025 witnessed an upgraded version of Dube’s bowling. Against the UAE in Dubai, he produced a spell of 2 overs for 4 runs, picking up 3 wickets, one of his best T20I efforts. In another game against Pakistan in Dubai, he bowled 4 overs for 33 runs and claimed 2 wickets.

During the Australia series in late 2025, he removed Mitchell Marsh and Tim David in Queensland, finishing with 2/20 in Carrara. Earlier, against Zimbabwe in July 2024, he bowled 4 overs for 25 runs and took 2 wickets. Even in the early phase of his career, his tally includes figures of 3/30 against Bangladesh in Nagpur (2019). In 2025-26 alone, he has produced spells like 2/11 vs England (Wankhede), 2/28 vs New Zealand (Nagpur), and 1/1 in just 0.3 overs against South Africa.

Should Shivam Dube bowl more often in T20Is?

India’s current strategy prioritises batting depth till No. 8. With specialist bowlers like Bumrah, Arshdeep, Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar in the XI, Dube often becomes the sixth option rather than a frontline bowler. In some matches, the captain has openly stated that they preferred testing their five primary bowlers instead of using Dube.

Yet, modern T20 demands flexibility. Dube’s height (6’4”) allows him to hit the deck hard, generate bounce, and bowl effective cutters, especially on slower surfaces or in two-paced conditions. Bowling coach Morne Morkel and head coach Gautam Gambhir have actively worked on refining his action, pace, and angles. Dube himself has admitted that improved fitness has helped him prepare to bowl four overs if required.

Notably, Dube averages 27.23 with the ball in T20Is, respectable for a part-time option. His strike rate of 17.7 shows he can break partnerships.  If India wants him purely as a finisher, then under-utilising his bowling is understandable. But if he is picked as a genuine all-rounder, especially in tournaments like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, then using him for at least two overs regularly makes sense. It reduces pressure on frontline bowlers.