Dube delivers for India in all-rounder audition at Asia Cup

Dubai: India started their Asia Cup T20I 2025 campaign with a comprehensive win against UAE, but the spotlight was firmly on Shivam Dube, who delivered a standout all-round performance. The left-handed power-hitter not only played a blazing knock with the bat but also picked up crucial wickets, strengthening his case as India’s go-to all-rounder in the shortest format.

Coming in at No. 5, Dube showcased his clean hitting ability. He smashed multiple boundaries and sixes, turning the momentum in India’s favor after a steady start by openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. His aggressive approach in the middle overs ensured that India posted a competitive total of 175/6 in 20 overs.

On a pitch that assisted bowlers, India needed early breakthroughs while defending the total. Dube, trusted with the ball by captain Hardik Pandya, struck in his very first over. Mixing slower balls with clever variations, he ended with 2 wickets for 21 runs, restricting the UAE middle order.

Apart from Dube’s heroics, India’s bowling attack looked sharp. Young spinner Ravi Bishnoi and pacer Arshdeep Singh complemented Dube well, keeping UAE batters under constant pressure. Eventually, UAE fell short, managing just 138/8, giving India a 37-run victory.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, skipper Hardik Pandya praised Dube’s all-round show:

Cricket experts see this performance as a game-changer for Dube’s international career. With India constantly looking for a reliable seam-bowling all-rounder to support Pandya, Dube’s emergence is timely, especially with the T20 World Cup not too far away.

Fans too flooded social media, hailing Dube’s performance. Many called him India’s “X-Factor”, while others drew comparisons with Yuvraj Singh for his clean six-hitting ability.

For UAE, it was a spirited effort but their lack of experience showed. Their bowlers started well but failed to contain India’s power hitters in the death overs. Batting collapses further dented their chase, although opener Muhammad Waseem’s brisk 40 gave them some hope early on.

With this victory, India kicked off their Asia Cup campaign in style. More importantly, Shivam Dube’s all-round brilliance has given the team management a new selection headache—one they will gladly welcome.