NEW DELHI: Shivam Dube On Friday, he turned 33, and celebrated his birthday with a rare and memorable win in India’s first T20I against Ireland in Belfast – becoming the fourth Indian bowler to take a T20I wicket on his birthday.Operating as a fourth option, Dube was brought into the attack in the eighth hour and made an immediate impact. On his first delivery, he impressed with chaser Benjamin Calitz, who made 15 off 11 balls with two sixes, as Ireland looked to climb.Dube’s short delivery caused the catch to go wrong, leading to an edge to fine leg, where Prasidh Krishna completed a fine catch after running back and keeping an eye on the ball.It was a birthday present Dube will remember – his 32nd T20I wicket in his 65th international appearance.
Elite birthday club with Indian stars
With the wicket, Dube joined the list of Indian cricketers who have taken a T20I wicket on their birthday. The club includes Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav – names that reflect the lack of action.Yuvraj Singh was the first to achieve it, returning 3 for 23 against Sri Lanka in Mohali on his 28th birthday in 2009. Ravindra Jadeja joined the list a decade later with 1 for 30 against West Indies in Hyderabad on his 31st birthday in 2019.Kuldeep Yadav managed to do this twice – first with a stunning 5 for 17 against South Africa in Johannesburg on his 29th birthday, and then with 2 for 12 against the same opposition in Dharamsala on his 32nd birthday.The inclusion of Dube adds a new name to the old but popular number club, including festival and field results.
Indian cricketers have chosen T20I wickets on their birthdays
- Yuvraj Singh (2009)
- Ravindra Jadeja (2019)
- Kuldeep Yadav (2023 & 2025)
- Shivam Dube (2026)
A useful read on the most successful race
Dube finished with figures of 1 for 18 in three overs as Ireland posted 182 for 9 in their 20 overs. The all-rounder, who is now in his 65th T20I, has quietly created a world record. Before the match, he had 31 wickets and 991 runs at an average of 30.96, including six years, which shows his rise as a two-way player.