Shivam Dube recently explained why he opted to take a 3rd AC train instead of waiting for the Team India flight to travel back home after the 2026 T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad. The star India all-rounder played a key role for the Men in Blue, helping the Suryakumar Yadav-led side lift the coveted title after beating New Zealand in the final on March 8.
Dube, who was with his wife in Ahmedabad, revealed that he was anxious to meet his children and his father in Mumbai. That is why the 32-year-old took the train back home.
“Ghar jaake mujhe apne bachche aur apne papa se milne ki kaafi anxiety ho rahi thi… isliye main subah-subah ghar chala aaya. Wait, hi nahi ho raha tha (I was feeling anxious to meet my child and my father at home… that is why I left early in the morning. I just could not wait),” Dube was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
Dube said that there were no flights available in the morning, and he had to choose between travelling by road or boarding a train. In the end, he chose the latter as it was quicker.
“There were no flights available, so I decided to take an early morning train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. We could have gone by road, but the train was quicker,” Dube explained.
Dube also mentioned that his friends and well-wishers were worried after knowing that he would travel by train. Had the southpaw been identified at the platform or on the train, it would have led to massive chaos.
“Everyone we spoke to-family and friends-was worried. They kept asking, ‘What if someone recognises you at the station or on the train?'” Dube said.
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Dube wore sunglasses, a mask, and a full-sleeve T-shirt to maintain his anonymity. He also strategically chose a 5:10 am departure, hoping the platform would be less crowded at that hour.
“I told my wife I would wait in the car until five minutes before the train’s departure, then rush to board,” he added.
