T20 World Cup 2026: Morkel backs Dube to deliver with ball in semifinal against England
Shivam Dube’s role with the ball in the ongoing T20 World Cup has been limited. In seven matches, he has bowled just 9.2 overs, conceding 124 runs for five wickets at an economy of 13.28.
But as India prepares for the semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium, the team management believes the all-rounder could still have a say with the ball, provided he sharpens his execution.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel was candid on the eve of the clash. “That’s an area we want to improve because, let’s be honest, teams are going to go after him and try to put him under pressure. If we can improve his execution and thinking with the ball, that will help us a lot,” he said.
Dube has delivered key breakthroughs in the past, but this tournament has been uneven. He leaked 46 runs in two overs against Zimbabwe in the Super Eight, following a 32-run spell against South Africa. In a must-win game against West Indies, he wasn’t handed the ball — a sign of the management’s caution.
Yet, Morkel spent extended time with him in training on Tuesday, suggesting Dube remains in the plans, especially at a venue he knows intimately.
“I don’t think it’s a loss of bowling form. Shivam knows the game pretty well. At times, our execution wasn’t great and maybe the thinking behind some deliveries could have been better. But in terms of form, he’s a guy who can still give us a couple of overs,” Morkel said.
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On what promises to be another high-scoring night in Mumbai, India’s bowlers will need flexibility. Dube’s ability to chip in with a couple of overs could ease the load.
With the bat, he has more than played his part. The left-hander has scored 166 runs at 33.20, striking at 156.60, often injecting tempo in the middle overs.
Backed as a part-time option, Dube now has an opportunity to influence a knockout game at a ground that has shaped much of his cricketing journey.
Published on Mar 04, 2026
