Kamal Ghorui
After India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, all-rounder Shivam Dube was in no mood to wait to reunite with his family. The Mumbai-based cricketer revealed that he felt an overwhelming urge to see his father and children, prompting him to skip a planned flight and instead take an early-morning train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai.Speaking at an event, Dube said, “Ghar jaake mujhe apne bachche aur apne papa se milne ki kaafi anxiety ho rahi thi… isliye main subah-subah ghar chala aaya. Wait, hi nahi ho raha thha (I was feeling anxious to meet my child and my father at home… that is why I left early in the morning. I just could not wait).” He travelled in a 3rd AC compartment with his wife and a friend.
Mindful of his celebrity status, Dube made careful arrangements to stay low-profile. He boarded a 5:10 am train to avoid crowds and stayed inside his car until the last moment. Onboard, he remained mostly on the upper berth, dressed in a cap, face mask, and full-sleeved T-shirt, resting quietly throughout the journey.Despite his precautions, Dube was nearly recognised when a ticket checker spotted his berth and asked, “Shivam Dube? Who is he, a cricketer?” Quick-thinking, his wife reassured the staff, “No, no. Where would he come from?” and averted attention.Dube’s stature has soared following India’s World Cup victory. Across eight innings, he amassed 235 runs at a strike rate of 169.06, playing key cameos that consistently provided momentum for the team. Already a contributor in India’s 2024 campaigns, Dube emerged as one of the underrated heroes of the 2026 title run, cementing his reputation as a reliable and impactful all-rounder.
