Shivam Dube Bowling Criticism: Srikkanth’s Brutal Take Exposed

What happens when India’s sixth bowling option becomes the most expensive liability on the field? Krishnamachari Srikkanth just unleashed his most brutal critique of Shivam Dube’s bowling after watching him concede 46 runs in just 2 overs against Zimbabwe—and the former captain isn’t holding back.

Srikkanth’s Scathing Critique: “I Have Not Seen Bowling Like That”

Here’s the deal: Krishnamachari Srikkanth doesn’t mince words. On his show ‘Cheeky Cheeka,’ the former India opener delivered a verdict that every cricket fan is now debating.

“I have not seen bowling like that,” Srikkanth said, his voice dripping with disbelief. “Did you see where Dube was bowling? He was bowling on the sixth stump.”

But there’s a catch: This isn’t just about one bad over. Srikkanth’s reaction reveals a deeper concern about India’s sixth bowling option in a tournament where every run matters.

The former captain’s words carry weight because he’s not just criticizing—he’s questioning fundamental bowling accuracy at the worst possible time.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: K Srikkanth speaking on Cheeky Cheeka show | Alt Text: K Srikkanth cricket analysis show Cheeky Cheeka]

Dube’s Nightmare Spell: The Numbers That Tell the Story

You need to see the brutal statistics from Dube’s bowling performance:

The Damage:

• Overs: 2
• Runs conceded: 46
• Economy rate: 23.00
• Wides: 4
• No-balls: 2+
• Wickets: 0

Here’s what this means for you: Dube’s economy rate of 23.00 is catastrophic in T20 cricket. That’s more than double what India expects from its frontline bowlers.

Context matters: India had already posted a massive total against Zimbabwe. The match was essentially won. But such an expensive spell would have been disastrous if net run rate was still in play for semifinal qualification.

Srikkanth acknowledged this: “The question of net run rate was out of the window. It was just about winning the game.”

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Shivam Dube bowling for India T20 World Cup | Alt Text: Shivam Dube India bowling T20 World Cup 2026]

Technical Breakdown: What Went Wrong With Dube’s Bowling

This is where Srikkanth’s analysis gets technical—and devastating.

Three critical failures exposed:

1. Line and Length Disaster

Dube bowled on the “sixth stump”—way outside the off-stump line. This is bowling so wide it’s essentially gift-wrapping runs to the batsman.

Here’s the deal: When you bowl that wide, even defensive shots find gaps. You’re not challenging the batsman; you’re serving up free runs.

2. Lack of Rhythm and Control

Srikkanth noted Dube looked “short of rhythm and control” throughout his spell. He failed to hit the off-side cut strip regularly—the basic channel where bowlers should operate.

But there’s a catch: This isn’t just about one bad day. Dube has been used as India’s sixth bowling option throughout the tournament, and consistency matters.

3. Discipline Breakdown

Four wides and multiple no-balls in just 2 overs shows a complete collapse of bowling discipline. Each extra delivery adds pressure and free runs.

The mental game: When a bowler loses control this badly, it affects the entire team’s fielding energy and momentum.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Cricket bowling line and length diagram showing sixth stump | Alt Text: Cricket bowling line length sixth stump explanation]

India’s Strategy: Why Dube Got the Ball Despite the Struggles

You’re probably wondering: If Dube struggled so badly, why did India keep giving him the ball?

Srikkanth provided the answer: “They had the luxury of runs behind them so they wanted to give some bowling practice.”

Here’s the strategic thinking:

• India’s massive total removed pressure from the bowling unit
• Match situation allowed experimentation
• Dube needed overs to maintain bowling rhythm for tougher matches
• Resting frontline bowlers for knockout stages

But there’s a catch: This logic only works when the match is already won. Against stronger opponents like West Indies or in the semifinals, India can’t afford such luxury.

Srikkanth’s confidence: The former captain remains optimistic: “You will not need to try six bowlers against the West Indies. If needed, we can look into it when the semifinal comes.”

He pointed to India’s strength: “Arshdeep bowling well, Bumrah bowling well, Varun and Hardik are decent.”

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: India cricket team huddle during T20 World Cup match | Alt Text: India cricket team strategy T20 World Cup 2026]

Bowling Performance Checklist: What Dube Must Fix

Follow this step-by-step guide to understand what Dube needs to improve:

1. Master line and length: Hit the off-stump channel consistently, not the sixth stump
2. Eliminate extras: Zero wides and no-balls—discipline is non-negotiable
3. Build rhythm: Use practice sessions to find consistent release point
4. Mental reset: After bad overs, regroup immediately—don’t compound errors
5. Variation within control: Mix up deliveries without sacrificing accuracy

Here’s what this means for you: These aren’t just Dube’s problems. Any bowler at this level must execute these fundamentals to succeed in T20 World Cup pressure situations.

Dube’s path forward:

• Acknowledge the poor performance without dwelling on it
• Work with bowling coach on line correction drills
• Focus on containing runs rather than taking wickets
• Build confidence through successful practice sessions
• Accept role as sixth option and execute within limitations

Srikkanth’s brutal honesty serves a purpose: It highlights areas India must address before facing tougher opposition.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Cricket bowling practice session India | Alt Text: India cricket bowling practice session T20 World Cup]

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly did Srikkanth say about Shivam Dube’s bowling?

Krishnamachari Srikkanth said “I have not seen bowling like that” and criticized Dube for “bowling on the sixth stump” during his expensive spell against Zimbabwe. He questioned Dube’s line, length, and overall control.

How many runs did Shivam Dube concede against Zimbabwe?

Shivam Dube conceded 46 runs in just 2 overs against Zimbabwe, with an economy rate of 23.00. He also bowled 4 wides and multiple no-balls, taking no wickets in the spell.

Will Shivam Dube bowl in India’s next T20 World Cup match?

According to Srikkanth, India likely won’t need six bowlers against stronger opponents like West Indies. With Arshdeep Singh, Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Hardik Pandya leading the attack, Dube’s role may be limited unless injuries occur.

So here’s my question for you: Do you think Srikkanth’s criticism of Dube was too harsh, or was it the wake-up call India needs? And more importantly—should India continue using Dube as their sixth bowling option in knockout matches? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!