India’s victory T20 World Cup 2026 the campaign produced countless memorable moments, but one of the most unexpected stories after the final was thoroughly attended Shivam Dubey. The cricketer, who helped India lift the trophy, chose a surprisingly simple way to return home, traveling in the 3rd AC coach of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Sayaji Express along with his wife Anjum Khan.
With the entire nation celebrating India’s victory, Dube’s quiet and unassuming journey home captured the imagination of fans. It showed a different side of the all-round star – one driven not by glamor or comfort, but simply by wanting to get back to his family as soon as possible.
Why did Shivam Dube choose train travel after India’s T20 World Cup win?
The reason for Dube’s unusual travel choice was largely practical. Follows A decisive victory for India in the final of the T20 World Cup in Ahmedabadthe city witnessed an increase in demand for travel. Thousands of fans, officials and players were trying to leave the city at the same time, making flight security extremely difficult.
All flights from Ahmedabad to Mumbai were fully booked, leaving Dube with limited options. Although it was possible to travel by road, it would take considerable time. To reach home faster, the all-rounder decided to board the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Sayaji Express at 5:10 am.
However, the urgency behind the decision went beyond convenience. Dube was eager to return home to his young children – four-year-old son Ayaan and two-year-old daughter Mehwish. After being away for weeks during the tournament, he just wanted to be reunited with his family as soon as possible.
For Dube, the train offered the fastest solution, even if it meant traveling in a regular coach rather than the luxurious arrangements international cricketers are often accustomed to.
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A secret journey and a close call
Although the plan to go by train solved the problem of travel, it created another problem – avoiding recognition. With India’s T20 World Cup triumph dominating the headlines, the last thing Dube wanted was to be surrounded by throngs of fans inside the train.
In order not to be distracted, he and his wife developed a simple disguise. Dube wore a hat, face mask and full-sleeved shirt to hide his identity. At the station, he remained in the carriage for just five minutes before departure to avoid attracting attention before quickly boarding the carriage.
Once inside the train, he took extra precautions. Dube climbed to the bridge above and covered himself with a thick brown rail cover, hoping to remain unnoticed for the entire journey.
The plan almost fell apart when the ticket collector came to check the passengers. Seeing Shivam Dube’s name on the reservation chart, TC got curious and asked: “Shivam Dube? Who is he, the cricketer?”
Dube’s wife, Anjum, thought for a moment and calmly replied: “No, no. Where will he come from?” (How will it get here?)
His confident answer satisfied the ticket taker and he continued on his way without further questions. The couple breathed a sigh of relief as the most nerve-wracking moment of the trip passed without incident.
The rest of the eight hour trip was very uneventful. Dube managed to remain unnoticed by other passengers, even stepping off the bridge briefly to use the bathroom during the night.
However, he was aware of the latest looming problem at Mumbai’s Borivali station. Coming in daylight can easily expose his identity to comforters or cricket fans.
To avoid any complications, Dube contacted the local authorities before the train reached the station. Initially surprised to learn that the World Cup hero was traveling by train, police arranged a police escort to help him safely exit the station.
With their help, Dube quietly left the station and went home to be reunited with her children.
While his performance in the tournament – scoring 235 runs at a strike rate of 169 – grabbed the headlines, it was this simple and humble journey that won hearts across the country. In an age of lavish travel and celebrity attention, Dube’s quiet train home was a reminder that even cricket heroes sometimes want to return to their families just like everyone else.
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