India’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026 faced a reality check after former cricketer Mohammad Kaif openly questioned the team management’s reliance on Shivam Dube as a bowling all-rounder. Following India’s heavy 76-run loss to South Africa in the Super 8 stage, Kaif’s remarks have sparked fresh debate around squad balance and player roles as the tournament reaches its decisive phase.
In the match against South Africa, Shivam Dube bowled just two overs but conceded 32 runs despite managing to pick up a wicket. Across the tournament so far, Dube has taken four wickets in three innings, but his economy rate of 10.63 has raised concerns about his effectiveness with the ball at the highest level.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif made it clear that he does not see Dube as a genuine all-rounder. According to Kaif, Dube’s bowling lacks the attacking intent required in the middle overs of a T20 match. He pointed out that defensive bowling in crucial phases only adds pressure on the rest of the bowling unit.
Kaif also cautioned that against power-packed batting line-ups such as West Indies, Dube could be heavily targeted. He suggested that while Dube may chip in with an occasional wicket, he is more likely to leak runs consistently. The former India batter stressed that bowling at moderate pace without variation can prove costly in modern T20 cricket.
India’s struggles were not limited to bowling alone. While chasing a target of 188, the batting unit collapsed for 111 runs in 18.5 overs. Marco Jansen starred with four wickets for South Africa, while Keshav Maharaj claimed three. Despite the collapse, Shivam Dube was India’s top scorer with 42 runs, highlighting his primary value as a batter rather than a bowling option.
Kaif also shared his views on team selection, suggesting that the team management needs to reassess its heavy reliance on left-handed batters. He recommended bringing Sanju Samson into the playing eleven to restore balance and strengthen the batting order with a more effective left-right combination.
With crucial Super 8 matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies coming up, India may need to rethink its strategy quickly to stay on track for a semifinal berth.
