Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 11: Hours after helping India national cricket team clinch the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at the packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, all-rounder Shivam Dube made a quiet and unexpected journey home by train to Mumbai.
With flights fully booked following India’s victory over New Zealand national cricket team, Dube, along with his wife Anjum Khan and a friend, boarded the Sayaji Express from Ahmedabad to Mumbai early Monday morning.
The tall left-hander had earlier smashed three fours and two sixes in the final over of India’s innings to push the team past 250 runs in the title clash.
Speaking about the journey, Dube said he opted for the train as no flights were available and he was eager to return home to his children.
“There was no flight available, so I decided to take a train from Ahmedabad early in the morning to Mumbai. We could have gone by road but the train was faster,” he said.
To avoid being recognised by fans, Dube adopted a low-key disguise. Wearing a cap, mask and full-sleeved T-shirt, he boarded the early morning train with AC 3-tier tickets.
The cricketer waited in the car until a few minutes before departure to avoid crowds at the station before rushing to board the train.
Once inside, he climbed to the top berth and tried to keep a low profile. During ticket checking, his wife reportedly dismissed the possibility that the passenger named Shivam Dube could be the cricketer, allowing the ticket examiner to move on without suspicion.
After the close call, the tired all-rounder spent most of the eight-hour journey resting on the berth, hoping fellow passengers would not recognise him.
However, he remained concerned about getting down at Borivali in broad daylight. To ensure a smooth exit, he contacted the police for assistance.
“They thought I was landing at the airport but were surprised when I told them I was travelling by train. I was provided a police escort so things were easy and the exit was smooth,” Dube said.
Dube played a key role in India’s successful campaign under captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir. Batting primarily in the death overs, he scored 235 runs in the tournament at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 169, hitting 17 sixes and 15 fours, including a crucial 26 off eight balls in the final.