Shivam Dube was tipped by many to create a bidding war in the ongoing IPL auctions. The southpaw is one of the most exciting talents in the country at the moment. Making his debut last season, Dube has so far scored 489 runs, decorated with two centuries and three fifties, and picked up 17 scalps in five matches for Mumbai.
What has further boosted his reputation is his big-hitting prowess. Be it his 110 against Railways or 114 against Gujarat, Dube has decimated opposition attacks with his wide array of shots. With the ball, his figures of 7/53 against Karnataka earned him widespread praise.
And the youngster did no harm to his reputation as well as his chances of earning big in the auction by smashing five sixes in five deliveries in a Ranji Trophy match against Baroda. His exploits came just one day before the 2019 IPL auction.
He sent Swapnil Singh’s first five deliveries out of the park before the left-arm spinner fired the last ball of the over down the leg side, ensuring that Dube could not touch the ball. Dube was dismissed after smashing 76 off just 60 balls against Baroda. His knock contained three fours and seven sixes.
And not surprisingly, he was in demand when the auctioneer called out his name. Delhi Capitals started the bidding at INR 20 lakh before Royal Challengers Bangalore joined the race. Bangalore and Mumbai Indians then went neck to neck before the former secured the youngster’s services for a whooping amount of INR 5 crore.