‘He’s Like a Brother’: India’s Top All-Rounder Refuses to Compare Himself with Hardik Pandya

India opened their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style with a dominant nine-wicket win over UAE in Dubai. The bowlers dismantled the hosts for just 57 runs, and the batters finished the chase inside five overs.

Kuldeep Yadav was the star with the ball, taking 4 wickets with his guile. Shivam Dube backed him up brilliantly, grabbing 3 wickets and breaking through UAE’s middle order. The duo ensured India never allowed the opposition to settle.

In the chase, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill came out swinging. Both went after the bowlers from the first ball, sealing victory in under five overs and setting the tone for India’s campaign.

After the game, Dube shared his thoughts on his performance and his equation with Hardik Pandya.

“I am always learning from Hardik Pandya. He is like a brother and has a lot of experience. I want to learn from him, and I keep asking him about batting and bowling. I have never thought of comparing myself with him. I want to play alongside him and improve as a player,” Dube said.

He explained how the team management trusted him to bowl and revealed that bowling coach Morne Morkel had worked closely with him. Dube credited Morkel for tips on crease use, wider angles, slower balls, and run-up adjustments, which helped him against UAE.

India’s next challenge is the high-voltage clash against Pakistan on Sunday, September 14 in Dubai.