Asia Cup 2025: Shivam Dube opens up about 'competition' with Hardik Pandya after taking 3 wickets vs UAE

Shivam Dube instantly dismissed the theory of competition with Hardik Pandya during the pre-match press conference after registering a one-sided victory over the United Arab Emirates in the second match of the 2025 Asia Cup.

Shivam and Hardik, both pace bowling all-rounders, were in the playing XI against UAE. In the match, Team India outclassed the host at Dubai International Stadium in all departments. UAE managed to gather only 57 runs on board against all of their ten wickets. In only 27 deliveries, Men in Blue concluded the match. Dube emerged as the second-best bowler of the night after Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep claimed 4, while Dube got 3 wickets in his name.

Through the bowling performance, Dube outshined the experienced bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Though, he chose to remain humble and opposed any chances to compete with Pandya. During the press conference, Dube addressed that Hardik is like his brother, from whom he often seeks help to improve his game. Reflecting on Hardik's experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international circuit, Dube further said that he wants to learn from him as much as possible. 

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"Hardik is the kind of player from whom I keep learning. He is like my brother. His experience in the IPL and international cricket is huge. I want to learn as much as I can from him. I keep asking him questions, even about batting. I have never thought about comparisons. All I want, playing alongside him, is to learn and use that knowledge to improve myself," Dube said. 

Shivam Dube provides insights about his bowling 

He acknowledged Indian Morne Morkel, bowling coach of India, for helping him develop bowling skills. The former South African international taught him how to use the crease and bowl from the wide of the stumps.

"During the England series, he gave me a couple of key tips. He told me to use the crease and bowl from the wide of the stumps. He also advised me on getting my slower ones right. I’ve been working on that for a long time. He even helped me adjust my run-up. Because of those tweaks, I have been able to bowl well. My pace is good, and I feel confident with the ball in hand," Dube added.