Who is the more explosive batter in T20Is – Dube or Hardik?

India’s T20I approach under Gautam Gambhir is built around aggressive middle-overs acceleration. Since the start of 2024, India has scored at 9.41 per over between overs 7 and 16, the fastest among Full-Member nations, smashing 182 fours and 141 sixes in that phase. This has been mainly due to fast-bowling all-rounders, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

Dube’s T20I numbers have been impressive; in 56 matches, he has scored 756 runs at a strike rate of 149.70 and an average of 28.00, with five fifties. His boundary-hitting stands out with 46 sixes in just 505 balls faced.

Against spin, Dube is among the most destructive batters in world T20 cricket. Since IPL 2023, his balls-per-six ratio against spin (7.23) is among the best globally. In Pune, returning after six months, he took down Adil Rashid, England’s premier spinner, smashing 25 off just 11 balls against him. His 34-ball 53 gave India the platform to reach 181.

Dube may not possess the range or flair of Hardik, but his clean hitting, especially over midwicket, makes him a middle-overs giant.  Meanwhile, Hardik’s numbers are even greater. In 130 T20Is, he has scored 2076 runs at a strike rate of 144.26 and an average of 28.05, with seven fifties. He has struck 111 sixes and 156 fours, more than double Dube’s boundary count. Where Dube dominates spin, Hardik excels on pace. Short balls and hard lengths are his forte. 

Shivam Dube vs Hardik Pandya – T20I Comparison