'He improved my bowling’ - Indian all-rounder credits coach Morne Morkel after Asia Cup heroics against UAE

Published - 11 Sept 2025, 19:50 IST | Updated - 11 Sept 2025, 20:06 IST

Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube bowled just three overs for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) across the last three IPL seasons, primarily due to the Impact Player rule. However, he was awarded Impact Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul against the UAE in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 10.

During India’s victorious campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, Dube bowled only a single over. But, it is a testament to his perseverance that he has not been disheartened by limited opportunities and has allowed his secondary skill to take a backseat. The encouragement of Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has also played a key role in nurturing the medium pacer.

“Definitely, today’s start was very important. I have always prepared for four overs as an all-rounder. Whenever I get an opportunity to bowl three-four overs, I am ready for it,” Dube said as quoted by The Hindu.

“When I came for the England series (in January), he (Morkel) told me a few things. He suggested that I bowl more outside (off-stump) and told me a couple of things related to the slower ball. He also said a few things about my run-up. Because of those two-three things, my bowling is getting better. My pace is also improving,” he added.

Dube’s presence in the middle order bolsters India’s batting depth while also providing six viable bowling options, with Axar Patel coming in at No. 8. This combination helps India plug the gap left by Ravindra Jadeja. For Dube to continue justifying his spot, his primary responsibility remains delivering fireworks with the bat.

To that end, he has been working on countering the short ball. A deeper batting lineup has become increasingly essential across formats, as proved by India’s strategy in the recent Test series in England, where they relied on just three specialist bowlers supported by three all-rounders.

“Yes, I can hit in certain areas. But certain bowlers are there who come at me with short balls. So, during the IPL and even after it, I have been working on adding more shots,” Dube said.