PLAYER TO WATCH : SUBHAM DUBEY
Shubham Dubey, born on August 27, 1994, in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, is an Indian cricketer known for his left-handed batting and right-arm off-break bowling. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall, Dubey has made significant strides in domestic cricket, particularly with the Vidarbha team.
Early Life and Background
Dubey’s family later relocated to Vaishali Nagar, Nagpur. His father, Badri Prasad Dubey, owned a paan shop in Nagpur’s Kamal Square area, while his mother, Jayshree, is a homemaker. He also has a brother employed in a private firm. Initially excelling academically, Dubey developed a passion for cricket during his teenage years, participating in local tennis-ball tournaments.
Cricketing Journey
Financial constraints posed challenges to Dubey’s cricketing aspirations. However, advocate Sujit Jaiswal, who ran the Advocate XI Cricket Club, provided him with essential support, including equipment and dietary needs. Under Jaiswal’s mentorship, Dubey progressed through various age-group cricket levels, representing teams like Eleven Star Cricket Club in the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Leagues.
His consistent performances led to opportunities in prestigious tournaments such as the Times Shield in Mumbai, where he earned approximately ₹10,000 per month. Dubey’s dedication culminated in his List-A debut for Vidarbha in 2021. Notably, during the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he amassed 225 runs in seven matches, averaging 73.76 with a striking rate of 187.28. His standout performance included a rapid 58 off 20 balls against Bengal, marking the joint-fastest fifty for Vidarbha in the tournament.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Breakthrough
Dubey’s domestic success caught the attention of IPL franchises. In the 2024 IPL auction, Rajasthan Royals secured his services for ₹5.8 crores, a significant increase from his base price of ₹20 lakhs. Expressing his elation, Dubey acknowledged the unexpected yet welcome bid, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Playing Style and Statistics
Dubey is recognized for his aggressive batting approach, especially in the middle order. His T20 statistics reflect his prowess: in 30 matches, he has scored 652 runs at an average of 38.35 and a strike rate of 152.69, including two half-centuries. In List-A cricket, he has accumulated 242 runs in 17 matches, averaging 40.33.
Personal Interests
Beyond cricket, Dubey enjoys traveling, particularly to animal parks, and maintains his fitness through regular gym sessions. He attributes his resilience and focus to his grandmother’s early advice on handling the emotional aspects of the game.
Shubham Dubey’s journey from local tennis-ball tournaments to the grand stage of the IPL exemplifies dedication and passion. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, his story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.
