Indian Cricket Star's Wife Thwarts Train Mob Incident
Indian T20 World Cup hero Shivam Dube narrowly avoided being mobbed by enthusiastic fans during a secretive train journey home, with his wife Anjum playing a crucial role in the dramatic escape. Following India's resounding 96-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Dube was desperate to return to his young family in Mumbai.
Desperate Journey Home After Historic Win
With all flights to Mumbai completely booked for Monday, the cricketer who scored an explosive 26 not out from just eight balls in Sunday's championship match made the risky decision to travel by train alongside his wife and a friend. "There was simply no flight available, so I decided to take a train from Ahmedabad early in the morning to Mumbai," the all-rounder revealed to the Indian Express newspaper.
Determined to maintain his anonymity, Dube employed multiple disguises including a cap, mask, and full-sleeved t-shirt. He boarded the train at the very last moment and immediately retreated to his top berth, hoping for an undisturbed eight-hour journey home to his four-year-old son and two-year-old daughter.
Wife's Quick Thinking Prevents Discovery
The carefully orchestrated plan nearly collapsed when a ticket-checker entered their coach and loudly inquired whether the famous cricketer Shivam Dube was among the passengers. It was Anjum who sprang into action, firmly stating: "No, no. How could he possibly be here?" Her swift intervention prevented what could have become a chaotic scene with overzealous fans.
Despite his wife's clever deception, Dube ultimately required police assistance upon arrival in Mumbai to ensure a safe exit from the station. "Authorities assumed I would be arriving at the airport, so they were quite surprised when I informed them I was traveling by train," Dube explained. "Thankfully, I was provided with a police escort which made everything much easier and ensured a smooth exit."
Cricket's Religious Status in India
This incident highlights the extraordinary, almost religious devotion to cricket throughout India, where top players routinely achieve rock-star status and face overwhelming public attention. The fervent popularity was further amplified on Sunday as India made sporting history by becoming the first team ever to secure three men's T20 World Cup titles.
The dramatic train journey underscores the extraordinary lengths to which Indian cricket stars must go to maintain privacy and security following major tournament victories, with family members sometimes becoming unexpected heroes in these tense situations.
