Proposed Structure for the Article on Shivam Dube

On Feb 19, 2025

Shivam Dube is a power-packed left-handed batsman and a handy right-arm medium pacer. His rise from the domestic circuit to the grand stage of international cricket and the IPL has gathered lots of attention. Often compared to Hardik Pandya in India’s all-rounder role, he got popular across T20s, ODIs, and first-class cricket.

Though he was inconsistent in his initial IPL years, particularly in 2020 and 2021, Dube actually performed well with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He turned into a player that the team required too due to the presence of MS Dhoni.

Since IPL 2025 is approaching, fans and cricket experts are debating how Dube will fare in the tournament. For those wanting to stay on top of the latest cricketing action, fixtures, and analysis, Play 365 is the one-stop shop for all things sporting. Watch this space because this season, Dube could well be CSK’s trump card.

Early life and cricket journey

Start of the career: from struggles to stardom

Shivam Dube was born on June 26 1993 in Mumbai and grew up in a city that has produced some of India’s greatest cricketing legends. However, his journey was anything but smooth. While most young cricketers in Mumbai dream of making it big, few experience the struggles that Dube faced early on.

As a 14-year-old, he had to quit cricket due to the family’s financial problems. They simply couldn’t afford the expensive coaching and kits required for a professional career. But later with support from his father, he made a dramatic return to the game at the age of 19.

Standing tall at 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm), Dube possesses the ideal physique for an all-rounder. What sets him apart is six-hitting ability and medium pace.

His big break came in 2016 when he made his T20 debut for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

He followed it up with his List A debut in 2017 and his first-class debut in the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season. Shivam grabbed a notable five-wicket haul (5/79 in 30 overs). Yet, Karnataka took charge of the match ending the day at 395/6 with a strong 222-run lead, despite his efforts. To take five wickets in a first Ranji match stands out as a big deal for any bowler, and Dube pulled it off. His bowling kept Karnataka in line for a while, but as the day wrapped up, a 103-run stand between CM Gautam (79) and Shreyas Gopal (80)* put Karnataka in a winning spot.

In domestic cricket he managed to smash five sixes in an over against Baroda in a Ranji match (2018).

Regarding Ranji Trophy 2018, Shivam Dube played a sensational knock of 110 runs off 128 balls, helping Mumbai recover from a shaky start to post a competitive 297 against Gujarat on the opening day of Group A clash at the Wankhede Stadium. His explosive innings, laced with eight boundaries and six massive sixes, turned the tide for Mumbai after they found themselves reeling at 74/5.

Shivam Dube domestic and IPL performance summary

Format	Matches	Runs	Batting Avg	Strike Rate	50s/100s	Wickets	Best Bowling
First-Class	24	1529	46.33	70.26	4/9	53	7/53
List A	60	1089	36.30	109.55	1/3	42	3/21
T20s	155	3076	31.07	143.47	0/15	54	3/27
IPL (Career)	65	1502	30.04	146.68	0/9	5	2/15

Performances in T20l and ODI formats

Dube’s international career began with high expectations. The Indian selectors saw him as a player who could have a big potential in cricket. He made his T20I debut on November 3, 2019 against Bangladesh.

One of his toughest moments came during India’s tour of New Zealand in 2020, where he was smashed for 34 runs in a single over. Soon after that Dube decided to leave the Indian squad.

Dube continued to work hard in his game, but he was really focused on increasing his bowling variation repertoire and fitness. His hard work paid off in 2024, after Hardik Pandya’s injury and thereby the door opening for the Indian T20I squad against Afghanistan was his redemption.

He was able to capitalize on the chance and came up with twin fifties setting a quite high standard for being an impact player. His outstanding performance during this period of the time marked him to be included in the national team for the T20 World Cup in 2024, which is not a surprise when he, in the end, played a key role in India’s title-winning campaign.

In general he played T20L 35 matches, last of which happened on 2nd February 2025 against England. Since 2019 he has scored 531 runs and 13 wickets.

Just like T20L Dube’s debut on One Day International happened in 2019 when India played against West Indies at Chennai.

In general he played 4 matches during his ODI career, one against West Indies on 25 December 2019 and three times against Sri Lanka — on 2nd, 4th and 7th August 2024. He managed to score 43 runs with an average of 11 and has 1 wicket.

Shivam Dube in IPL

Early IPL Days: The RCB and Rajasthan Royals

He was first picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for INR 5 crore in 2019.

Dube played for RCB for two years but he didn’t have much success. Because of that he decided to leave the squad in 2021.

Then Shivam moved to Rajasthan Royals in 2021 before finally finding his place in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2022 who picked him at the mega auction.

“Shivam Dube never felt comfortable in RCB, he couldn’t break free” – South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers.

The Game-Changer: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) era

Then came the turning point — IPL 2022. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), known for their eye for talent, secured Dube’s services for INR 4 crore.

Under the guidance of MS Dhoni, Shivam refined his game and became one of the most destructive middle-order batters in the IPL:

IPL 2022: CSK groomed him as a middle-order enforcer. He smashed 289 runs at a strike rate of 156.21, including a breathtaking 95 against RCB.
IPL 2023: This was the real breakthrough season. CSK fully unleashed Dube’s power-hitting, and he responded with 418 runs at a strike rate of 158.33. He became CSK’s go-to man against spinners, often changing the course of matches in just a few overs.
IPL 2024: He continued his dominance, scoring 396 runs at 162.30 SR, proving his consistency as a game-changer.

How CSK could struggle if Shivam Dube misses IPL 2025

CSK fans are now sweating over Shivam Dube’s chances to play in IPL 2025. The dude who can slam the ball took a bad hit to his noggin while wearing the helmet in the fourth T20I against England. Post-smacking an awesome 53 from just 34 balls, they swapped him out just to be safe, and now everybody’s buzzing about if he’ll be ready to rock for the next season.

Over the past two years, Dube has been a key pillar in CSK’s middle order, particularly for his ability to take down spinners and accelerate in the later stages. If he is ruled out of IPL 2025, CSK could face significant problems.

Shivam is not CSK’s first-choice finisher, but he actually supports Dhoni and Jadeja in the final overs. Having a strike rate of 187.5 in the final four overs, he’s absolutely a game-changer for CSK, helping them close out games on a high.

Potential challenges for CSK without Dube:

Without Shivam, Dhoni and Jadeja will have to take more responsibility, putting added pressure on them.
CSK could become predictable in the final overs, making it easier for opponents with strong death-bowling attacks to restrict their scoring.
CSK might struggle against top spinners, especially on turning tracks.
Opposing teams could choke their scoring rate in the middle overs, knowing they lack a reliable spin-hitter.
CSK could lose momentum in the middle overs, making it harder to accelerate later.
Finding a replacement with similar strike rates and consistency will be extremely difficult.

To sum it up, if Shivam Dube is ruled out of IPL 2025, CSK will lose a major asset in three crucial areas — death-over finishing, middle-over acceleration, and dominance against spin. His power-hitting and adaptability have been vital to their success in recent seasons, and without him, CSK’s batting could lack the same explosive impact.

Strengths and playing style

What Makes Shivam Dube Special?

Some players play it safe but Dube’s approach is aggressive. Here’s why he is so crucial.

Key Strengths

Powerful Hitter – His ability to clear boundaries effortlessly makes him a lethal T20 asset.
Effective Against Spin – The southpaw has an exceptional strike rate when it comes to playing spin particularly in the middle over stage with 142.3, rating him among the elite of the league.
Medium-Pace Bowling Choice – Dube isn’t new to the BCCI, but he brings know-how and can bowl key overs when needed to keep the team balanced.
Cool Head in Tight Spots – People know he can deliver when the heat is on, as his IPL 2023 and 2024 performances show.

Areas for Improvement

Bowling Consistency – Dube’s bowling still needs more control and accuracy, especially in T20s.
Fitness & Fielding – With modern T20 cricket demanding peak athleticism, improving agility and speed will add another dimension to his game.
Playing Short Balls – Like many Indian batters, bouncers have troubled him at times. If he can work on handling pace and bounce better, he will become even better.

Personal life and interesting facts

Off the cricket field, some facts about Shivam Dube are:

He belongs to a Hindu family settled in Mumbai.
Shivam attended Rizvi College, Mumbai, a college renowned for nurturing young cricket stars
The cricketer is a fan of Yuvraj Singh, — both left-handers with a tremendous power and all-rounder ability.

He first struggled to find a place in IPL teams. The crickether started to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore, then moved to Rajasthan Royals but he fit in better when picked up by Chennai Super Kings in 2022. Only there he became one of CSK’s most destructive batters.

Despite the fact he played only 4 matches in ODI format, he scored 43 runs with an average of 11. Dube participated in more games in T20L — there were 35 of them and 531 runs.

He also played in IPL from 2022 till 2024. With IPL 2025 on the horizon, there’s every reason to believe that Shivam Dube will once again light up the tournament. If he keeps his play style, he might become one of India’s most feared T20 batters.

FAQ

1. Who is Shivam Dube?

Shivam Dube is an Indian cricketer who packs a serious punch with the bat and offers a useful medium-pace option with the ball. A dynamic left-handed hitter, he has built a reputation for clearing boundaries with ease, especially in T20 cricket. He has been a crucial figure for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and has also represented India on the international stage, proving his worth as a valuable all-rounder.

2. What’s Shivam Dube’s playing style?

Dube is all about controlled aggression. With the bat, he thrives on taking the attack to the bowlers, particularly spinners, making him a key weapon in the middle overs. His ability to go big under pressure has made him a fan favorite in the IPL. While his bowling isn’t his main weapon, his right-arm medium pace provides a handy backup, giving captains an extra bowling option when needed.

3. When and where was Shivam Dube born?

Shivam Dube was born on June 26, 1993, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, a city that has produced some of the biggest names in Indian cricket.

4. How did Shivam Dube’s cricketing journey begin?

Unlike many Mumbai cricketers who rise through the junior ranks smoothly, Dube’s story had a few roadblocks. At 14, he had to step away from the game due to financial struggles—his family simply couldn’t afford the costs of professional training. But cricket was always in his blood, and with his father’s support, he made a dramatic return at 19. From there, he climbed the ranks quickly, making his T20 debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2016) and announcing himself on the big stage with a first-class debut in the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy. His ability to take on spinners and his knack for picking up crucial wickets made him a player to watch, and he hasn’t looked back since.

5. What are Shivam Dube’s notable domestic cricket achievements?

Dube managed to take a five-wicket haul (5/79) in his debut Ranji Trophy match. He also smashed five consecutive sixes in an over against Baroda and scored a match-winning 110 off 128 balls for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2018.

6. What has been Shivam Dube’s journey in the IPL?

In 2019 Royal Challengers Bangalore bought Shivam for INR 5 crore but struggled to make an impact.

In 2021 the cricketer played for Rajasthan Royals but was released after moderate performances.

Dube joined Chennai Super Kings in 2022 and still plays for them. Moreover, Shivam improved his game under MS Dhoni’s guidance.

His key performances include:

IPL 2022: 289 runs, Strike Rate – 156.21
IPL 2023: 418 runs, Strike Rate – 158.33
IPL 2024: 396 runs, Strike Rate – 162.30

7. How has Shivam Dube performed in international cricket?

His T20I debut happened on November 3, 2019, against Bangladesh. He first played in ODi format on December 15, 2019, against West Indies.

Dube’s T20I career stats are 35 matches, 531 runs, 13 wickets (as of February 2, 2025). ODI Career Stats include 4 matches, 43 runs, 1 wicket.

Shivam also played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory.

Why is Shivam Dube important for CSK?

Dube has been a vital middle-order batsman for CSK, and more importantly, against spin. His attacking style of batting, high strike rates, and ability of closing games have made him a vital cog in the side.

What if Shivam Dube misses IPL 2025?

Dube had a head injury in the fourth T20I match against England, which raised questions about his availability. If he is absent for IPL 2025, CSK can be expected to falter in these areas:

Inability to accelerate in the middle overs.
Inability to handle spinners during key situations.
Greater pressure on MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.
Challenge to identify a dependable replacement with equal consistency and strike rate.

10. Who are Shivam Dube’s cricketing idols?

Dube idolizes former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, given their similar left-handed power-hitting approach and ability to contribute with the ball.