Krish Srikkanth credits Shivam Dube for game-changing spell in IND vs PAK Super Four match
Kris Srikkanth believes opposing batters took Shivam Dube lightly, allowing him to break key partnerships and shift momentum in India vs Pakistan Super Four match at Asia Cup 2025.
Shivam Dube (Image Credit: BCCI)
Last Updated: 02.34 PM, Sep 22, 2025
Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has praised Shivam Dube for turning the tide in India’s favour in the Super Four clash against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025, claiming the opposition underestimated him, a mistake that paid dividends. Dube’s spell came at a critical juncture, breaking apart a solid Pakistan partnership and keeping the pressure on in the middle overs.
Pakistan had begun to look comfortable following a healthy start; their batters were timing the ball well, rotating strike, and punishing loose deliveries. But when Dube came on to bowl in the 11th over, the momentum shifted. He dismissed a batter in his first over, jolting Pakistan’s confidence and forcing them to recalibrate their shot selection. Later, he picked up another scalp, that of top-scorer Sahibzada Farhan, significantly limiting Pakistan from posting a more imposing total.
Srikkanth pointed out that the psychological underestimation of Dube played to India’s advantage. He said that batters thought of Dube as a part-time or lower threat, especially compared to frontline bowlers like Bumrah. That mindset meant they took undue risks against him, which allowed Dube to extract mistakes. Suddenly, Pakistan's momentum stalled, and India seized control.
Turning point spell – How Shivam Dube shifted momentum
Shivam Dube’s impact went beyond just the wickets. His spell of 2/33 in four overs not only broke partnerships but also stemmed the flow of runs. He tightened the economy during a phase where Pakistan had been looking to accelerate. By denying easy singles, forcing risky boundaries, and maintaining pressure, Dube built a platform for India’s bowlers to dominate.
His effectiveness was amplified by the complacency of the opposition—the belief that he was “less dangerous” led to loose shots and poor judgment when facing him. Srikkanth emphasized that in high-pressure matches, such as IND vs PAK Super Four, even sporadic bowlers seizing momentum can make a dramatic difference.
Ultimately, India restricted Pakistan to 171/5 in 20 overs, a total that looked manageable once the middle overs were turned against them. In the chase that followed, India’s batters chased down the target with six wickets to spare, benefiting from the cushion that Dube’s spell provided.