Asia Cup: ‘Hardik Pandya is my brother’ – Shivam Dube shuts down critics on comparison | Cricket News – The Times of India

India’s Shivam Dube, second left, celebrates with teammates ( AP/PTI(AP09_10_2025_000411A)

Shivam Dube is slowly carving his house as a real all-rounder for India, and his efficiency within the Asia Cup opener towards the UAE underlined simply how far he has come. Picking up three wickets for simply 4 runs in two overs, Dube performed an important position in India’s 9-wicket demolition of the hosts, displaying that his bowling will be simply as efficient as his energy-hitting. Dube credited quite a bit of his enchancment to bowling coach Morne Morkel, who has been working intently with him since his return to the Indian workforce throughout the England collection. “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 them,” Dube stated. He revealed how Morkel helped him fantastic-tune his line, develop a slower supply, and alter his run-up. “The head coach and the skipper had told me that my bowling will have a role to play,” he added. The India all-rounder has additionally spent the final two months focusing on his health and batting expertise. “For the last two months, I have worked a great deal on my fitness. As far as my batting is concerned, I know I have a role to play in the middle overs. Over the years, bowlers targeted me with short balls, and I have worked on increasing my range of shots,” Dube defined. He additionally spoke about adapting to circumstances, noting that “as the tournament progresses, wicket will get slower and I know my slower ball will be effective, and I also know how to bat in middle overs.”

On comparisons with Hardik Pandya, Dube was clear that there is no rivalry. “Hardik is like a brother from whom I tend to learn a lot as he has way more experience both in IPL and international cricket compared to me. Comparison, I never thought of, as my only endeavour is to learn as much as I can from his vast experience,” he stated. Looking forward to the India-Pakistan conflict, Dube stayed grounded. “Whether I am playing against UAE or Pakistan, I try to follow what my coach Gauti bhai (Gambhir) tells me. When you play for India, you have got a chance to do some great things for the country,” he stated. Dube’s emergence as a dependable seam-bowling all-rounder offers India flexibility of their lineup, significantly as they give the impression of being to stability batting depth and bowling firepower within the Asia Cup.