‘We were a completely different team after that’ - Shivam Dube highlights India’s turning point in T20 World Cup 2026

India all-rounder Shivam Dube has revealed the turning point in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The hosts created history by winning the multi-nation event at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad in front of a jam-packed stadium.

India’s crisis man Shivam Dube has opened up on where India’s campaign took a turn. India faced a humiliating loss at the hands of Aiden Markram led South Africa in the Super 8 clash at Ahmedabad.

The Proteas beat the Men in Blue by 76 runs and that loss was the turning point of India’s title defence according to the Mumbai batter.

“As a team, we peaked after the loss against South Africa. Before that game, we were playing well, but we all pulled up our socks after that. We were a completely different team, and our best came in the final", Dube said while speaking to the Indian Express.

Following their defeat to South Africa, the Indian team bounced back in dominant fashion with a series of high-scoring performances. They posted massive totals of 256/4 against Zimbabwe, 253/7 against England, and 255/5 against New Zealand.

In addition to those imposing scores, India also chased down a challenging 196-run target in just 19.2 overs against the West Indies in their third Super 8 clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Dube further revealed that he was clear about his role, as India’s coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav had clear communications with him.

“My role was simple and communicated a long time ago by coach Gautam Gambhir and Surya bhai – keeping the strike rate high. If I’m asked to bowl, keep a tight line and keep the runs down. During the last World Cup too, I had a similar role, but that time I had only a couple of big knocks. This time, I told myself that I won’t think too far ahead and take things match by match," Dube concluded.

He was instrumental in the Men in Blue's attempt to defend their title. The left-hander scored 235 runs at a healthy strike rate of 169, while also picking up five wickets with the ball.