No Rivalry, Only Teamwork: Shivam Dube On His Role & Hardik Pandya Comparison

In the high-stakes world of international cricket, comparisons are inevitable, especially when two players share similar skill sets. For India's dynamic all-rounder Shivam Dube, the chatter around his perceived competition with the talismanic Hardik Pandya has been a constant backdrop. However, Dube, with a calm composure and a clear vision, firmly asserts that for him, it's all about contributing to the team's success, not an individual rivalry.

Addressing the persistent questions directly, Dube stated, "There is no competition between Hardik Pandya and me.

I always focus on what I have to do." This statement encapsulates his professional approach, highlighting his dedication to his own performance and role within the squad. He believes that having two versatile all-rounders like himself and Hardik only strengthens the team's balance and options.

Dube elaborated on their distinct styles, saying, "He's a different player, I'm a different player.

We are both all-rounders; we can bat, we can bowl, and whoever gets the opportunity, he'll do good for the team." This mature perspective underscores a crucial point: both players bring unique strengths to the table, and their presence provides India with invaluable depth, particularly in the T20 format where multi-faceted cricketers are gold.

The recent T20I series against Afghanistan saw Dube shine brightly, smashing two consecutive half-centuries and demonstrating his powerful hitting prowess.

These performances were a testament to his hard work and readiness to seize opportunities. He is not just a destructive batter but has also significantly honed his bowling skills, making him a more complete package. "My bowling has also improved, and I'm able to bowl four overs in T20s," he noted, crediting his improved consistency to dedicated practice and guidance from bowling coach Paras Mhambrey.

Dube's primary focus remains on consistency and being available for the team wherever and whenever needed.

His commitment to enhancing his all-round game ensures that he can be a reliable asset in various match situations. While Hardik Pandya makes his return from injury, Dube's impressive form provides the team management with a pleasant selection dilemma, ensuring India's middle order and bowling attack remain robust.

Ultimately, Dube's message is clear: for him, cricket is a team sport, and individual glory is secondary to collective success.

The presence of two high-quality all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube is not a point of contention but rather a significant advantage, offering flexibility and strength to the Indian cricket team as they prepare for major tournaments.