Shivam Dube’s all-round credentials received another boost in India’s Asia Cup opener against the UAE, where he starred with the ball and later became the centre of a dressing-room banter session. The 32-year-old returned figures of three wickets for just four runs in two overs, setting the tone for India’s nine-wicket victory. His searing spell highlighted the progress he has made as a seam-bowling all-rounder, an area he admitted has improved under bowling coach Morne Morkel. “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 said. He credited Morkel with helping him refine his line, add a slower ball, and adjust his run-up.Dube also made it clear that his bowling would play an important role. “I was keen to bowl in the match. I got the opportunity and I worked really hard. Thanks Morne,” he added. Morkel, who named Dube the Impact Player of the Match, handed him the medal in front of the squad. Teammates insisted he give a speech, joking that the award was set up for the moment. Vice-captain Shubman Gill even raised the stakes, quipping: “Speech ya dance (Speech or dance).” A smiling Dube, reluctant at first, eventually obliged with a short note of thanks. “I really enjoyed bowling today,” he said, drawing loud cheers from the squad.
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Beyond the light-hearted celebrations, Dube highlighted his focus on fitness and batting adjustments in recent months. “For the last two months, I have worked a great deal on my fitness… Over the years, bowlers targeted me with short balls, and I have worked on increasing my range of shots,” he said, stressing that his slower ball and middle-order role would be vital as conditions get tougher deeper into the tournament.
