India’s ex-all-rounder Irfan Pathan stated that Shivam Dube has made himself the first name that is written on India’s T20I team sheet. Dube was the Player of the Match for his 66 runs for India against the Netherlands in the recent T20 World Cup 2026 match in Ahmedabad.

Dube came into bat with India on 69/3 in 9 overs. He went on to hammer 66 in 31 balls with 4 fours and 6 sixes, taking India to 193/6 in 20 overs. He then picked up two wickets with his medium pace, helping India restrict the Netherlands to 176/7 and winning the game by 17 runs.

Shivam Dube has been in good form in 2026, as he has scored 233 runs in nine matches with a strike rate above 200. With the ball, he has six wickets at an average of 17.5.

Irfan Pathan commended Dube for his batting balance and consistency. The veteran all-rounder also commended Dube's batsmanship and ability to adapt to the situation.

"The way he played that 66-run knock off 31 balls—when he got the opportunity to face more deliveries, he made full use of it and smashed big sixes. His balance is outstanding. His hands go slightly away from the body, but the bat comes down beautifully from top to bottom. His batting flow is very smooth—it's a pleasure to watch—and he uses it to great effect to hit multiple sixes,” Pathan stated on his YouTube channel.

In his last 10 matches, he has two half-centuries, only two single-digit scores, and otherwise he has been consistently scoring runs. He has become that kind of player.

Whenever India’s T20 team sheet is written, his name will be there — he has earned that status. In the World Cup final, we saw that cameo. In the Asia Cup final too, he batted brilliantly. Against Pakistan, he played a superb knock. Then, against the Netherlands, when he got the chance to face more balls and move up the order, he showed he can play responsibly as well as attack," said Pathan.

Pathan was also impressed with Shivam Dube’s strike rate against pace and stated that he has shed the tag of spin basher. Dube has been scoring at a strike rate above 195 against pacers, hitting them for seven boundaries and nine sixes in 8 innings.

"The biggest improvement over the last 18 months is his strike rate of 167 against fast bowlers. Earlier, he was labeled a spin basher, but 167 against pace is a very healthy strike rate. His pull shot is excellent. Yes, teams target him with short balls, but he has hit sixes off those as well," said Pathan.

Pathan also commended Dube for always being ready to bowl vital overs for the team while also providing a lot of variety when he has the ball in his hand.

"When given the ball, even with the new ball at times, he delivers. In the Asia Cup final and again today, he picked up crucial wickets. Whenever he gets the ball, he bowls well—using wide yorkers and cross-seam deliveries and attacking the yorker length. That shows his mindset is moving in the right direction. If needed, he is ready to bowl. His preparation is complete. Shivam Dube deserves a lot of praise," said Pathan.

In the T20 World Cup 2026, Dube has 116 runs and picked up three wickets from four matches.