T20 World Cup 2026: Shivam Dube Will Play Key Role Against England, Says Childhood Coach
Shivam Dube’s childhood coach Satish Samant says the all rounder will play a crucial role for India in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi final against England at Wankhede.
Ahead of India’s semi final clash against England in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, the childhood coach of Shivam Dube, Satish Samant, has said the all rounder could play a key role in the high pressure contest at Wankhede Stadium.
Samant said several Indian players are familiar with the conditions at the venue as they represent Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
"I think the players of the Mumbai Indians are more accustomed to playing on this surface, as they have a lot of practice here. Hardik is there, and Suryakumar is the captain. Shivam also has a very important role to play," Satish Samant told IANS.
Apart from Dube, Samant said captain Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma could also make an impact in the semi final.
Dube has been one of India’s key performers in the ongoing tournament, especially in the middle order. In seven matches so far, he has scored 166 runs at an average of 33.20 and a strike rate of 156.60.
However, his bowling performance has raised concerns. The all rounder has taken five wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 13.28.
Samant also spoke about the pitch conditions at Wankhede. He said the surface could offer extra bounce and provide assistance to fast bowlers in the early stages of the innings.
"I think about the semifinal match we watched yesterday. The way New Zealand batted in that game, the pitch may behave in a similar manner. There could be a little extra bounce, and usually fast bowlers get some additional bounce from such a surface," he said.
He also suggested that India should opt to bowl first if they win the toss as dew could play a role later in the match.
"If India wins the toss, then bowling first is compulsory as during this season, dew comes and it will be difficult for bowlers to defend a big total, so I think they should choose to bowl after winning the toss," he added.
India will take on England in the semi final as both teams aim to secure a place in the tournament final.