NEW DELHI: Shivam Dube turned 33 in style on Friday, marking his birthday with a rare and memorable achievement during India’s first T20I against Ireland in Belfast — becoming only the fourth Indian bowler to take a T20I wicket on his birthday.Acting as the fourth pace option, Dube was brought into the attack in the eighth over and made an immediate impact. On his first delivery, he bowled out Benjamin Calitz, who scored a spirited 15 off 11 balls with two sixes as Ireland looked to build momentum.Dube’s short-stroke delivery forced the batsman into an inordinate pull, sending the top edge looping towards fine leg, where Prasidh Krishna completed a comfortable catch after running back and keeping his eyes on the ball.It was a birthday present Dube will remember – his 32nd T20I wicket in his 65th international appearance in the format.
Elite birthday club with Indian stars
With the wicket, Dube joined a very exclusive 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 underscore the rarity of this feat.Yuvraj Singh was the first to do so, 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 it twice — first with a stunning 5 for 17 against South Africa in Johannesburg on his 29th birthday, and again with 2 for 12 against the same opposition in Dharamsala on his 32nd birthday.Dube’s inclusion adds a new name to an unusual but prestigious statistical club, combining celebration with on-field performance.
Indian cricketers pick a T20I wicket on their birthday
- Yuvraj Singh (2009)
- Ravindra Jadeja (2019)
- Kuldeep Yadav (2023 and 2025)
- Shivam Dube (2026)
A handy spell in a high-scoring contest
Dube finished with figures of 1 for 18 in three overs as Ireland posted a competitive 182 for 9 in their 20 overs. The all-rounder, now in his 65th T20I, has quietly built up a useful international record. Prior to this match, he had 31 wickets and 991 runs at an average of 30.96, including six half-centuries, reflecting his growing value as a genuine dual-role option.
