'He has ensured India don't feel Hardik Pandya's absence' - Former India coach lauds Shivam Dube

Former Indian cricketer Abhishek Nayar has hailed Shivam Dube for capably filling in the shoes of Hardik Pandya in India's T20I squad. Dube featured in all five T20Is of the recently-concluded white-ball series against Australia. Nayar noted how Dube's contributions throughout matches with bat and ball are not making the Men in Blue feel the absence of Hardik in the format.

"We always say that Hardik Pandya is the kind of all-rounder that India requires. 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," stated Nayar while speaking on JioHotstar.

Nayar also commented that while Dube not be the stereotypical dynamic all-rounder, he certainly performs each function with "flying colours" when provided with the opportunity by the team management.

"He scored crucial runs and took two big wickets when Australia were looking to accelerate. Whenever he has been challenged by this Indian team management, he has come up with flying colours. He may not be tagged as 'the all-rounder', but he does everything that an Indian all-rounder needs to do," he added.

Prior to the T20I series, Dube was an integral part of India's Asia Cup 2025-winning squad. On many occasions, he was assigned with bowling with the new ball. While not his usual role, the all-rounder performed quite well for the Suryakumar Yadav-led unit. He also played a priceless 22-ball 33-run knock against Pakistan in the final of the subcontinental tournament.

More recently, Dube put in a fine effort with bat (22 off 18) and ball (2/20 in 4 overs) in the fourth T20I of the series Down Under which the tourists ended up winning by 48 runs in Carrara. He will next be expected to feature for India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa at home. The all-format series is scheduled to commence on November 14.