NEW DELHI: Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube went viral on social media after sharing an emotional moment with his father following India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dube shared photos and a video of himself placing his winner’s medal around his father’s neck.
His father, who was wearing an India jersey, looked visibly proud as he held the medal. Dube captioned the post, “The real hero of my life,” which quickly resonated with fans online.
Dube played an important role in India’s title-winning campaign, especially in the final against the New Zealand national cricket team, where he scored 26 runs off just eight balls.
Throughout the tournament, he contributed with bat and ball as India clinched their third T20 World Cup title.
After the celebrations, Dube had an unusual trip home.
Unlike most international cricketers who travel by charter or business class flights, he had to take a third AC train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai as all flights were full.
Speaking about the experience, he explained that he had tried to get flights for himself and his family but couldn’t find seats.“There were no flights available, so I decided to take an early morning train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. We could have gone by road, but the train was faster,” Dube told The Indian Express.
To avoid attention at the station, he disguised himself with a cap, mask and long-sleeved shirt.
He also carefully planned his timing to avoid crowds. “I told my wife that I would wait in the carriage until five minutes before the train left and then rush to board,” Dube added.
Shortly after arriving in Mumbai, he celebrated the historic victory with his family and shared the special moment with the man he considers his biggest inspiration.