Dube credits Morkel for impressive show with the ball

Shivam Dube has bowled a grand total of three overs for Chennai Super Kings in the last three IPL seasons owing to the Impact Player rule. When India ended its 11-year hoodoo at ICC events by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, Dube’s services as a medium-pacer were utilised for all of six deliveries.

None of this can be ideal for an all-rounder whose job profile demands involvement in the heat of the battle at all times. It is to Dube’s credit, then, that he hasn’t been deterred by the lack of opportunities and allowed his secondary skill to take a complete backseat.

Against the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup on Wednesday, although victory was far too straightforward for India to seek constructive meaning, there was gratification for the Mumbaikar in scalping three wickets in two overs.

“Definitely, today’s start was very important. I have always prepared for four overs as an all-rounder. Whenever I get an opportunity to bowl three-four overs, I am ready for it,” Dube told reporters.

The encouragement from India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has aided the 32-year-old. “When I came for the England series (in January), he told me a few things. He suggested that I bowl more outside (off-stump) and told me a couple of things related to the slower ball. He also said a few things about my run-up. Because of those two-three things, my bowling is getting better. My pace is also improving,” Dube said.

What Dube’s presence in the middle-order does is bolster India’s batting depth while also ensuring six bowling options, with Axar Patel, who plundered a 31-ball 47 at the fall of the third wicket in last year’s T20 World Cup final, coming in at No. 8. To some extent, it helps India plug the gaping void left by Ravindra Jadeja’s T20I retirement. A lengthier batting unit has evolved into a requirement across formats, illustrated by India preferring just three specialist bowlers to go with three all-rounders right through the recent Test series in England.

For Dube to continue justifying his spot, his primary role remains producing fireworks with the bat. For that, he has also been working on countering the short ball.

“Yes, I can hit in certain areas. But certain bowlers are there who come at me with short balls. So, during the IPL and even after it, I have been working on adding more shots,” he said.