After playing a key role in India’s triumphant ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, all-rounder Shivam Dube made headlines off the field for his unusual choice of travel. Instead of boarding a flight—standard practice for most cricketers, especially after a major tournament—Dube opted for a train journey from Ahmedabad to Mumbai.
Why the Train, Not a Flight?
The reason was simple: all flights from Ahmedabad to Mumbai were fully booked following the high-profile sporting event. Rather than wait for a seat to become available or take the long drive by road, Dube decided to book a third-tier AC ticket on an early morning train, travelling with his wife and a friend.
“It was just about convenience. There were no flights available, so I decided to take the train. We could have gone by road, but the train was quicker,” Dube told The Indian Express. His decision, while practical, caught his family and friends off guard, as they were concerned about his safety and the likelihood of being recognised by fans after the World Cup victory.
Keeping a Low Profile
To avoid drawing attention, Dube took several precautions. He donned a cap, a mask, and a long-sleeved T-shirt to blend in. Choosing a 5:10am departure, he planned to arrive at the station just minutes before boarding to minimize the chance of being spotted by cricket fans.
Star Performer in the Tournament
Dube’s simple choice of transport contrasted with his high-impact performance during the World Cup. After a slow start, he found his rhythm with a solid 27 off 17 balls against Pakistan and an electrifying 66 off 31 against the Netherlands. In the final, his explosive cameo—26 runs off just eight balls—helped push India’s total beyond 250, cementing another memorable title win for the team.
A Down-to-Earth Hero
Shivam Dube’s train journey home stands as a testament to his grounded nature, even after achieving cricketing glory, and has endeared him even more to fans across the country.
