Most cricketers fly home after winning a World Cup. Shivam Dube took the upper berth of a 3rd AC train instead — disguised in a cap, mask, and full-sleeved T-shirt — and it’s the most wholesome story of India’s historic T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
Table of Contents
Shivam Dube’s Journey at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Reason for Train | All Ahmedabad–Mumbai flights fully booked |
| Train Taken | Sayaji Express |
| Departure Time | 5:10 AM, March 9, 2026 |
| Journey Duration | ~8 hours |
| Class of Travel | 3rd AC |
| Travel Companions | Wife Anjum Khan & a friend |
| Exit Station | Borivali, Mumbai (with police escort) |
Why Did He Take a Train?
Dube opted for a train journey in 3rd AC after discovering that flights from Ahmedabad to Mumbai were fully booked following the final. PC Gamer His motivation was simple and deeply human — he wanted to reach home quickly to see his four-year-old son Ayaan and two-year-old daughter Mehwish. Pearl Abyss
The Mission: Stay Incognito
This wasn’t a relaxed ride. Dube wore a cap, a mask, and a full-sleeved T-shirt while entering the station. To avoid attention from fans on the platform, he stayed inside the car until just minutes before the train’s departure. Once on board, he quickly climbed to the upper berth and covered himself with a railway blanket. Beebom
The Nail-Biting TC Moment
The tensest moment came when the ticket checker arrived mid-journey. The TTE asked, “Shivam Dube? Woh kaun hai, cricketer?” Anjum calmly replied, “No, no. Woh kahan se aayega?” — essentially brushing off the question and keeping Dube’s identity hidden. Pearl Abyss Crisis averted, thanks to a quick-thinking wife.
The Grand Exit at Borivali
Dube was worried about being recognised at Borivali station in broad daylight, so he requested police assistance. They thought he was landing at the airport but were surprised when he told them he was travelling by train — he was provided a police escort, making the exit smooth. Mix Vale
A Champion’s Tournament to Remember
Dube featured in all nine matches for India, scoring 235 runs and taking five wickets during the tournament Pearl Abyss — including a stunning 26 off 8 balls in the final that pushed India beyond 250. For a player of this stature to travel 3rd AC without fanfare speaks volumes about his character.
For more cricket stories, match analyses, and T20 World Cup 2026 coverage, visit TechnoSports — your go-to hub for Indian cricket updates.
Get to know more about Shivam Dube’s full career journey on his Wikipedia page.
FAQs
Q: Why did Shivam Dube travel by train after the T20 World Cup final?
All flights to Mumbai were fully booked after India’s World Cup win, so Dube decided to travel by train along with his wife Anjum and a friend to be home with his children as quickly as possible. Pearl Abyss
Q: Did anyone recognise Shivam Dube on the train?
No one recognised Dube during the journey — his wife cleverly deflected the ticket checker’s questions, and he stayed on the upper berth throughout, only needing a police escort on arrival at Borivali station in Mumbai. Beebom
