R Ashwin and Shivam Dube (Agency Image)

Ravichandran Ashwin has played down the buzz around Shivam Dube’s train journey after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, saying there was nothing extraordinary about it.Soon after India defeated New Zealand national cricket team in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8, Dube chose to travel from Ahmedabad to Mumbai by train instead of waiting for the team flight. Accompanied by his wife and a friend, the all-rounder boarded the 5:10 am Sayaji Nagari Express, explaining later that he was eager to reunite with his father and son. The moment quickly went viral, with fans praising his simplicity.However, speaking at a RevSportz event, Ashwin brushed aside the excitement surrounding the incident. “I’m seeing news pieces on how Shivam Dube traveled by train. I don’t want to read pieces like that. What’s the big deal? I have traveled by train,” he said.The former India off-spinner went on to stress that cricketers should be able to enjoy everyday experiences without them being sensationalised. “I would love for us… for international cricketers to be able to go to the chaiwalas and have chai with the people. In fact, we have forgotten that life’s joys are in very small moments,” he added.Dube reportedly tried to avoid attention during the journey by wearing a cap, mask and a full-sleeved T-shirt while travelling in an AC three-tier coach. A ticket checker briefly suspected his identity after seeing his name on the reservation chart, but the situation was diffused when his wife casually dismissed the possibility.On the field, Dube was one of India’s key contributors during their title-winning campaign. Across eight innings, he scored 235 runs at an impressive strike rate of 169.06, delivering crucial cameos that helped maintain momentum. Having already been part of India’s 2024 success, he once again emerged as an underrated but vital figure in the 2026 triumph.