Gavaskar on Shivam Dube: More than a finisher, a key T20 World Cup weapon for India

Shivam Dube evolving beyond finisher, emerging as India’s T20 World Cup weapon: Gavaskar

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar believes Shivam Dube has outgrown the label of a late-order hitter and is now shaping up as a complete T20I asset for India. Despite India’s 50-run loss to New Zealand in Vizag, Gavaskar said Dube’s all-round growth was one of the biggest positives ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Rising to the occasion

In the series, Dube’s role has adapted to match situations. In Raipur, he played the expected finisher’s role, scoring 36 off 18 balls. Vizag, however, demanded a different approach. India were 63 for 4 when Dube walked in, and the fall of Rinku Singh soon after left him largely alone at the crease.

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar said:
“I thought he grabbed the opportunity really well. When you bat at six or seven, you usually get three or four overs. This time he had to come in much earlier. He showed intent from ball one — that first-ball six went straight into the second tier.”

Beyond just a finisher

Dube’s 65 off 23 balls, with seven sixes and three fours, highlighted his versatility. Often seen as a batter who thrives against spin, he also attacked pace and reached his half-century in just 15 balls, the third-fastest for India in T20Is.

“When you strike a shot like that early, your confidence soars. He knows if he connects, the ball is going into the stands. To get the third-fastest fifty for India puts him alongside Yuvraj Singh and Abhishek Sharma,” Gavaskar added.

A genuine all-round option

Dube’s bowling has also improved. After a rocky start, his T20I bowling averages fell from 28.8 in 2024 to 19.66 in 2026, taking 20 wickets in 36 matches over three years. He even opened the bowling in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, conceding just 23 runs in three overs.

Gavaskar said:
“The fact that he can also bowl a couple of overs makes him extremely valuable. Coming in earlier will change how he sees himself — not just as a finisher, but someone who can build an innings and finish it under pressure.”

Despite India being bowled out for 165, falling short by 50 runs, Dube’s rise as a dependable all-rounder remains a significant boost for India’s T20 World Cup preparations.