During IPL 2025, most of which he played as an impact batter for Chennai Super Kings, Shivam Dube bowled just two overs, conceding a staggering 33 runs. Until Wednesday, he averaged less than an over and a half across 35 T20Is, bowling his full quota of four overs just twice.

Viewed largely as a middle-overs muscler of spin, his role definition seems to have changed. Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir want to eke more out of the strapping 32-year-old Mumbaikar — more with the ball.