After India clinched the 2026 T20 World Cup title against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, all-rounder Shivam Dube opted for a train journey to Mumbai to reunite with his young children. With flights unavailable, Dube traveled incognito on the Sayaji Express, hiding his identity amid the post-victory frenzy. The move highlighted his desire to return home quickly despite his celebrity status.
India's triumphant 2026 T20 World Cup campaign culminated in a final victory over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Shivam Dube played a pivotal role, smashing an unbeaten 26 runs off just eight balls in the 20th over, including three fours and two sixes, helping India surpass 250 runs and secure the win. Throughout the tournament, Dube scored 235 runs at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 169, hitting 17 sixes and 15 fours while batting in the late overs under clear instructions from coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Hours after the celebrations, with all flights to Mumbai fully booked, Dube, his wife Anjum, and a friend boarded the early morning Ahmedabad-Mumbai Sayaji Express on Monday. The family aimed to reach their home in Mumbai to be with their four-year-old son Ayaan and two-year-old daughter Mehwish. 'There was no flight available, so I decided to take a train from Ahmedabad early in the morning to Mumbai. We could have gone by road but the train was faster,' Dube told The Indian Express.
To avoid recognition from excited fans still buzzing from the victory, Dube adopted a disguise: a cap, mask, and full-sleeved T-shirt. He waited in the car until minutes before the 5:10 a.m. departure, then rushed to the AC 3-Tier coach and climbed to the upper berth, concealing himself under a thick brown railway blanket. A close encounter occurred when the ticket collector inquired about 'Shivam Dube,' but Anjum quickly deflected, saying, 'No, no. Woh kahan se aayega (where will he come from)?'
The eight-hour journey passed smoothly, with Dube managing to rest despite the fatigue from the tournament. At Borivali station, concerned about crowds in broad daylight, he arranged for a police escort. 'They thought I was landing at the airport but were surprised when I told them that I was travelling by train. I was provided a police escort so things were easy and the exit was smooth,' he recounted with a laugh. By afternoon, Dube was home, leaving the blanket behind on the train.
