Suryakumar Yadav Backs Shivam Dube: Why His Bowling Confidence is Soaring

Speaking ahead of the series opener, Suryakumar said that Dube has been working hard on his bowling and possesses a clear understanding of how to perform in varied conditions. "He knows what the conditions are and how to bowl here. But he has been working really hard on his bowling," Suryakumar said.

"I showed him so much confidence that I made him bowl twice in the final of the Asia Cup because I knew it. I have played with him for 8-10 years. So I knew how good he was," he added.

The Indian skipper further credited Dube's success to his disciplined preparation and clear mindset, which have helped him evolve into a dependable all-rounder.

"If your preparation is good, if you are practising well, if you have no doubt in your mind, then I think you are very clear with your plans and he is very clear with his plans," he added.

Dube made a strong impression with the ball in the 2025 Asia Cup, particularly in the Super 4 clash against Pakistan, where he broke the crucial partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, finishing with 2/33 in four overs. In the tournament opener against the United Arab Emirates, he picked up 3/4 in two overs, ending the competition with a total of five wickets.

Overall, in his 41 T20I appearances, Dube has scalped 18 wickets, proving his value as a reliable all-round option for the Indian side.

Suryakumar believes Dube's confidence will only grow with more opportunities against top opposition.

"If we get an opportunity tomorrow, then why not? It's a good team. If you bowl against a good team, then your confidence will increase," he said.

India's T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.

- ANI