Shivam Dube Proves Batters Wrong With Clever Bowling, Says Kris Srikkanth

Former India opener and 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth has praised all-rounder Shivam Dube’s bowling, saying batters often underestimate him, only to lose their wickets in the process. His comments came after India’s seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20 International, which helped the hosts take a 2–0 lead in the five-match series.

Speaking after the match, Srikkanth highlighted Dube’s effectiveness with the ball despite not being seen as a frontline bowler. “I think Dube is a good bowler. Batters think he is easy to hit and then get out to him,” Srikkanth said, adding that the team management has been using the all-rounder intelligently. He also lauded Dube’s contribution with the bat, noting his ability to score at a strike rate close to 200 in pressure situations.

Dube delivered an economical spell in Raipur, returning figures of 1 for 7 from a single over, and then played a crucial role in the chase with an unbeaten 36 off 18 balls, including one four and three sixes. His bowling impact was also evident in the first T20I in Nagpur, where he picked up 2 for 28 in three overs and narrowly missed a hat-trick.

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India’s chase of 209 was led by Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav after early setbacks. Kishan marked his return to the national side with a blistering 76 off 32 balls, while Suryakumar scored 82 not out off 37 deliveries, registering his first half-century after 23 innings. The pair ensured India reached the target comfortably in 15.2 overs.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 208 for 6, with Rachin Ravindra scoring 44 off 26 balls and skipper Mitchell Santner adding an unbeaten 47 off 27. Kuldeep Yadav provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, helping India restrict the visitors. With key players finding form ahead of the T20 World Cup, India’s performances in the series have offered encouraging signs for the team management.

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