Indian seam-bowling all-rounder Shivam Dube has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in his bowling fortunes, attributing his newfound success to the guidance of bowling coach Morne Morkel and a dedicated focus on fitness. The 32-year-old, once remembered for a nightmarish 34-run over in 2020, has now become a vital wicket-taking option for India in T20Is.
From Setback to Comeback: The Dube Transformation
Shivam Dube's initial international journey was marred by a painful record. In 2020, he conceded 34 runs in a single over against New Zealand, the most expensive over ever bowled by an Indian in T20I history. This setback saw him fade from the national setup. He fought his way back primarily as a power-hitter, playing a key role in India's victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the Americas, where he bowled a mere six deliveries.
However, the build-up to defending the World Cup title has seen a different Dube. Since September 2025, he has emerged as a sharper, more potent bowling weapon. Operating as the second seam all-rounder behind Hardik Pandya in a full-strength XI, Dube's evolution has won the management's trust. This year, he has already taken 12 wickets at a stunning rate of one dismissal every 12 balls, surpassing his total of 11 wickets collected between 2019 and 2024.
The Morkel Masterclass: Technical Tweaks and Smart Ploys
In Lucknow on December 16, 2025, ahead of the fourth T20I against South Africa, Dube explained the reasons behind his dramatic improvement. He highlighted two key factors: rigorous off-season fitness work and invaluable conversations with South African great and current Indian bowling coach, Morne Morkel.
"I have worked a lot in the off-season on my fitness. And when I am with the Indian team, I have many conversations with Morne. It helps me a lot," Dube told reporters.
The technical adjustments suggested by Morkel have been pivotal. During the Asia Cup in September, Dube revealed the coach's specific inputs. Morkel advised him to bowl from wider of the crease and to master slower deliveries from particular angles. He also provided insights to refine Dube's bowling run-up. These tweaks have resulted in a noticeable increase in pace and the ability to seam the ball both ways.
Executing Under Pressure: A Smarter Bowler Emerges
The proof of this transformation is evident in match-winning performances. In the crucial fourth T20I against Australia last month, Dube derailed the host's chase of 168 by dismissing captain Mitchell Marsh and the dangerous Tim David. He outsmarted them with well-disguised off-cutters and a slower bouncer, delivered from different points on the crease.
More recently, in Dharamsala on December 14 against South Africa, he clean-bowled all-rounder Corbin Bosch with a delivery that darted in sharply from a length, showcasing his growing repertoire. Dube credits the support from team management, including coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, for giving him the confidence to bowl in high-pressure situations.
"T20 is a game where you have to be smart. I was smart when I bowled before, but I didn't know when, how and what to apply," Dube admitted. "As soon as Gautam and Suryakumar supported me and told me that I could do it, I put myself in those situations. I realised that I can bowl in challenging situations as well."
From being a liability with the ball to a reliable wicket-taker, Shivam Dube's journey underscores the impact of expert coaching and self-belief. As India prepares for its T20 World Cup title defence, his dual threat with bat and ball has become significantly more formidable.
