Overview:
Ahmedabad was still buzzing with celebrations, and fans in India jerseys crowded the station. To avoid being spotted, Dube remained inside until the last moment.
Shivam Dube, a key member of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, revealed that he travelled back to Mumbai from Ahmedabad by train after the final because no flights were available. The all-rounder was eager to reach home quickly to be with his four-year-old son, Aayan, and two-year-old daughter, Mehwish.
Dube played an important role in India’s decisive victory over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With Sunday night flights sold out, he, along with his wife Anjum and a friend, chose an early morning train to return home. Speaking to The Indian Express, Dube explained his decision to take the train.
“There were no flights available, and I decided to travel from Ahmedabad to Mumbai on an early morning train. We could have driven, but the train was quicker,” Dube told The Indian Express.
“My wife, a friend, and I decided to travel by train since 3rd AC tickets were available. Everyone we spoke to, family and friends, was concerned. They kept asking, ‘What if someone spots you at the station or on the train?’”
Travelling by train just hours after lifting the World Cup posed challenges. Dube knew that any attentive fan at the station or on the train could recognise him, potentially creating a chaotic situation. To avoid attention, he and Anjum carefully planned the journey.
“They expected me to arrive by plane, so they were surprised when I said I was taking the train. I escorted by police, which made the journey easier and the exit smooth,” he added.
However, Ahmedabad was still buzzing with celebrations, and fans in India jerseys crowded the station. To avoid being spotted, Dube remained inside until the last moment.
“I wore a cap, a mask, and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Since the train was at 5:10 am, we hoped the platform wouldn’t be crowded,” he mentioned.
He headed straight for the top berth after boarding the train, staying there for most of the journey. Though the trip went smoothly, he remained concerned about facing fans upon arrival in Mumbai.
The ticket checker was also curious after knowing the name and said, ‘Shivam Dube? Woh kaun hai, cricketer?’ he said,” Dube recalled.
Shivam’s wife stepped in to hide her husband’s identity.
“No, no. Woh kahan se aayega?”
“I told my wife that I would stay in the car until five minutes before the train departs,” he revealed.
To ensure a safe and low-profile arrival, Dube coordinated with local police before the train reached the city.
“At night, I stepped down from the berth, and nobody spotted me while I went to the washroom and returned. The train journey was smooth, but I was concerned about getting off at Borivali in broad daylight, as it would have been impossible to avoid attention. I got it touch with the police and they were surprised that I was travelling by train. I was given a police escort,” he concluded.