T20 World Cup 2026: Mohammad Kaif raises concerns on Shivam Dube’s bowling
Following the crushing 76-run defeat against South Africa, the Indian team has faced constant criticism from all sides. Recently, questions have been raised about the performance of the team's players, with the form of Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma being the biggest concern. Some experts have also questioned Shivam Dube's bowling.
Recently, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif blasted the Indian team management for using Shivam Dube's bowling abilities in the recent loss against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026. He conceded 32 runs in just 2 overs, taking 1 wicket.
"With the field and his plan to bowl wide to Brevis, Dube showed that he wanted to be very defensive. Nobody bowls defensively in the 10th over. You looked to attack and try to take a wicket at that time. According to me, Dube is a batter; he is not an all-rounder," he said.
Additionally, Mohammad Kaif cautioned head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav that Dube could even concede 4 sixes in an over against a team like the West Indies.
"We don't need an all-rounder who bowls at 120 kph. He might take an odd wicket but will always go for runs. He can even concede four sixes in an over against the West Indies," he said.
Shivam Dube's bowling stats in T20Is
Shivam Dube has taken 30 wickets in T20I career so far, with an economy rate of 9.32. During the T20 World Cup 2026, He has taken 4 wickets in 3 matches, with an economy rate of 10.64.
Mohammad Kaif also urged the Indian team management to include Sanju Samson in the India playing XI and use him wisely. According to him, the Indian team will need to select a balanced team. Our team has a few too many lefties. He also said that Hardik Pandya should play at No. 5.
"There should be a balance in everything. We have gone overboard with lefties, where there are six left-handed batters in the top eight. Hardik is coming at No. 5 for the left-right combination. If you think it could be your winning formula, make a squad keeping that in mind. Bring in Sanju to get that left-right combination," he said.
The Indian team has already lost their first Super 8 match against South Africa. The men-in-blue will now take on Zimbabwe on February 26 in their next cricket match. This will be a do-or-die match for India. The Indian team just did not win this match; they will ensure that they win that match with a huge margin. Apart from that, India also hopes that South Africa will defeat the West Indies in the other fixture on that day. If South Africa defeats the West Indies, India’s semi-finals chances will be higher.
