Gautam Gambhir's Trump Card Ridiculed, Predicted To Concede 4 Sixes In An Over

Team India [Source: AFP]

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has strongly criticized India’s decision to use Shivam Dube as a bowler in their recent T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against South Africa on Sunday.

According to Kaif, giving Shivam Dube the ball in such an important game was a risky move, especially during a high-pressure situation. As a result, India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat in their Super 8 opener, which was also their first loss of the tournament.

Although Dube managed to take one wicket, he gave away 32 runs in just two overs. Therefore, many experts, including Kaif, believe that his bowling performance put additional pressure on the team.

Mohammed Kaif’s strong statement on Shivam Dube’s role

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif clearly expressed his opinion about Shivam Dube’s role in the team. He felt that Dube should not be considered a proper all-rounder.

"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,” Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

In addition, Kaif further explained his concerns by saying, "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 West Indies."

Through these comments, Kaif made it clear that he believes Shivam Dube’s bowling lacks consistency and control.

Shivam Dube’s mixed performance in T20 World Cup 2026

So far in the tournament, Shivam Dube has delivered mixed results. On one hand, he has taken four wickets in three innings. On the other hand, his economy rate stands at 10.63, which is considered expensive in T20 cricket.

Against South Africa, Dube performed decently with the bat, scoring 42 runs off 37 balls. However, his bowling did not have the same impact. He was attacked by the South African batters and ended up conceding 32 runs in just two overs.

Notably, India have been using him as their sixth bowling option during the tournament. However, as Kaif pointed out, this strategy may not be reliable in crucial matches.

Meanwhile, it is also important to highlight Dube’s value with the bat for India. He has acted as a key player for head coach Gautam Gambhir during this T20 World Cup.

This is mainly due to his ability to score runs at important moments when the team needs stability. Overall, he has scored 150 runs in five innings in the tournament so far.

South Africa outplay India in Super Eight

In the match, South Africa first scored 187 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. David Miller played a brilliant innings, scoring 63 runs off just 35 balls. Later, when India came out to chase 188, their batting lineup collapsed under pressure.

India were bowled out for just 111 runs in 18.5 overs. Marco Jansen took four wickets, while Keshav Maharaj claimed three. Corbin Bosch also picked up two wickets. This defeat marked India’s biggest loss in T20 World Cup history and ended their 13-match unbeaten run in the tournament.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets and Arshdeep Singh claimed two. Meanwhile, Dube was the top scorer with his 42 runs.

Looking ahead, India will face Zimbabwe in their next Super 8 match on Thursday, followed by a game against the West Indies on Sunday.