Former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar praised Shivam Dube for his brilliant performance in the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya during the ongoing T20I series against Australia. Hardik was ruled out of the tour due to a left quadriceps injury he suffered during the Asia Cup 2025, and Nayar highlighted that Dube’s versatility has made him an important player for India in the T20Is.
Speaking on the post-match show of JioStar Cricket Live after India’s 48-run win in the fourth T20I at Carrara, Nayar said, “We always say that Hardik Pandya is the kind of all-rounder that India requires. But game after game, Shivam Dube has shown that he can be that all-rounder as well. You don’t really feel the absence of Hardik Pandya because Shivam bowls important overs, takes key wickets, and contributes with the bat in different situations.”
Dube once again proved his value, scoring 22 runs off 18 balls at number three and taking two crucial wickets — Mitchell Marsh (30) and Tim David (14) — helping India restrict Australia to 119 runs.
After the match, Dube credited India’s clear strategies and the confidence shown in him by Gautam Gambhir and Morne Morkel. “167 on this ground is definitely a good score because of the quality bowling we have — both spinners and pacers. The plan was to bowl on the sides which had bigger boundaries because it’s difficult to hit there. Morne and Gauti bhai gave me clear plans and backed me to execute them,” Dube said.
India currently lead the series 2-1, with the fifth and final match to be played at the Gabba on Saturday, November 8.
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz