'I have not seen bowling like that': Ex-India captain's brutal take on Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube's bowling has come under fire, and let's be honest, it's not pretty viewing at times. One former India captain didn't mince words, saying, "I have not seen bowling like that," which, let's face it, is a brutal assessment. But is it fair? And more importantly, what does it mean for Dube, for India, and even for the future of bits-and-pieces players in the age of IPL 2026?

Dube, a powerful striker of the ball, was initially seen as the answer to India's perennial search for a seam-bowling all-rounder. The hope was he could contribute vital overs in the middle stages and then unleash some pyrotechnics with the bat lower down the order. The story so far? Well, the batting flashes have been there, those towering sixes that get everyone on their feet. But the bowling… that's where the problem lies. It's not just about the wickets taken, it's the runs conceded, the lack of control, and the perceived vulnerability under pressure. He was brought into the CSK setup to add some variety and power, but has struggled to find consistency.

Here's the thing: in modern cricket, you can't hide a liability. The opposition will target it relentlessly. We've seen it happen time and again. So, when Dube comes on to bowl, the pressure isn't just on him to take wickets; it's on him to simply survive. And that's a tough ask against world-class batsmen who are looking to exploit any weakness.

But is it entirely Dube's fault? What's fascinating is the context. India has struggled to produce high-quality, genuine all-rounders since the days of Kapil Dev. We've seen many try, and many fall by the wayside. Is the expectation too high? Are we asking Dube to be something he's not? Maybe. Perhaps he's a batsman who can bowl a bit, rather than a true all-rounder. This distinction is crucial. If he's viewed as the former, the pressure eases, and he can focus on what he does best: clearing the ropes.

The numbers tell a story, and they aren't kind to Dube's bowling economy. He leaks runs, and that puts immense pressure on the rest of the attack. Captains are often forced to bowl him in less-than-ideal situations, further compounding the problem. Tactically, it's a conundrum. Do you persist with him, hoping he'll improve? Or do you look for other options, potentially sacrificing batting depth?

What's the solution? Personally, I think Dube needs to work on his variations. Develop a slower ball, a deceptive bouncer, something to keep the batsmen guessing. Relying solely on hitting the deck hard at a medium pace just isn't cutting it in the high-octane world of T20 cricket. Maybe some time in domestic cricket, focusing purely on his bowling, would do him good.

Looking ahead, Dube's future in the Indian setup hinges on his ability to improve his bowling. He has the talent, the power, and the potential. But potential only gets you so far. He needs to transform himself into a more complete cricketer. If he can't, he risks becoming a forgotten name, another promising talent who failed to live up to expectations. And that would be a shame, wouldn't it? Keep an eye on how he performs in the next IPL season – it could be career-defining.