10 Interesting facts about Shivam Dubey

Shivam Dubey has been seeking a lot of attention over the last few weeks thanks to his heroics on the 22 yards. He has hit the straps at the perfect time in the domestic circuit as the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is only a little more than a fortnight away. The strongly built and extremely fit cricketer has been in great form recently in the ongoing domestic season, especially Ranji Trophy. However, his journey to make it to the Mumbai’s senior side wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination;

Here we look at some of the interesting facts of Dubey:

1. Father’s backing at an early age

Shivam Dubey’s father Rajesh found the talent in him only when he was six years old. The helper in his house stopped throwing balls to Shivam complaining that he always hits the ball outside the building. His father didn’t believe it and himself threw some balls at him only to be awestruck at the amazing power he possessed.

According to the Indian Express, the incident made Shivam’s father realise about his potential and he decided to support the little kid in his cricketing dreams. “Dubey ji, aap apne bete ko kya khilate ho (what do you feed your son), he hits such big sixes!” his coach and former India player Chandrakant used to say to his father.

2. School cricket star

The little kid got the perfect training and progressed under watchful eyes. Shivam’s school coach Nilesh Bhosale was overawed with his ability. The schoolboy was then a better bowler it seems as he single-handedly won his school U14 Giles Shield season.

3. Obesity issues

Despite being a brilliant cricketer, Shivam Dubey couldn’t stay fit. Lack of fitness and back problem hit him hard in the early part of his cricketing career.

4. Family problems

Apart from his fitness, Shivam also faced serious family problems which he doesn’t want to discuss now. Those issues kept him away from the game for close to five years from the age of 14 to 19. However, his father helped him make a comeback then after things slowly came back on track in his family.

5. U23 turnaround

The comeback wasn’t easy by any means for Dubey. He had no chance left to represent any U19 teams and had to ply his trade straightaway in U23 CK Nayudu Trophy and the lad didn’t disappoint. This time it was his batting which flourished as the powerful batsman scored 249 runs in five matches at an exceptional average of 49.8 with 125 being his best score.

6. Vijay Hazare 2016-17 season

The tourney continued for Shivam Dubey then as he managed to make it to Mumbai‘s senior side. Though he got very limited opportunities thanks to competition for places in the squad. He didn’t lose his heart and gave his everything by picking seven wickets in four outings. His economy of 4.87 and average of 16.71 proved that the youngster had got to make it big at the highest level.

7. Ranji Debut

Soon in the next season, Mumbai handed over Shivam his much-awaited first-class debut. The youngster grabbed this opportunity with both the hands then picking up a sensational five-wicket haul in his very first innings against Karnataka. He scalped the wickets of Karun Nair, Ravikumar Samarth, Mir Kaunain Abbas, Pavan Deshpande and CM Gautam to return with the figures of 5/98 in 37 overs.

8. Five sixes in a single over

2018 has been his year so far without a shadow of doubt. After being impressive in the List A and first-class cricket, Mumbai T20 League provided him with a platform to showcase his hitting skills. Shivam got stuck into one of the most experienced bowlers Pravin Tambe in one of the games and smashed him for 32 runs in a single over which included five sixes.

9. Almost won his team Mumbai T20 League final

Playing for Shivaji Park Lions in the final, Shivam proved his mettle also making a statement that his five sixes in a single over were not a fluke. Chasing 183 runs to win the title against Triumph Knights, the Lions needed 26 to win in the final over. But Dubey slammed 16 runs off the first three balls to bring the target in sight. However, he failed to take his team over the line managing only a solitary six in the next three deliveries. Nevertheless, Dubey’s efforts were hailed by many touting him as the one to watch out for.

10. Exceptional Ranji season so far

Dubey juggernaut has continued in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season as well. In five innings so far, he has amassed 364 runs at a mind-boggling average of 91 with two centuries and a same number of half-centuries to his name. This time around, Shivam has done well with the ball as well with 12 wickets at an average of 16.75 and the best figures of 7/84.

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