Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube took an unusual route home after India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory in 2026. Instead of flying, he travelled by train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai.

All flights on that route were fully booked after the final. Dube tried to arrange tickets for himself and his family but could not find any seats. He then decided to take an early morning train.

“There were no flights available, so I decided to take an early morning train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. We could have gone by road, but the train was quicker,” Dube told The Indian Express.

Dube travelled with his wife and a friend. They booked 3rd AC tickets for the journey. The decision worried his family and friends.

“Everyone we spoke to family and friends was worried. They kept asking, ‘What if someone recognises you at the station or on the train?’” he said.

To avoid attention, Dube tried to stay unnoticed. He wore a cap, a mask and a long-sleeved T-shirt. He also chose a 5:10 am train to avoid crowds at the station.

“I told my wife I would wait in the car until five minutes before the train’s departure, then rush to board,” he explained.

A police officer accompanied him during the trip in case he was recognised. But the journey passed without much trouble.

“During the night, I got down from my berth to use the washroom, and no one recognised me. The trip was smooth, though I was worried about getting off at Borivali in broad daylight,” he said.

Inside the coach, Dube took the top berth to stay out of sight. A small moment of tension came when the ticket checker arrived.

“Shivam Dube? Woh kaun hai, cricketer?” the ticket checker asked while checking the list.  Dube’s wife Anjum quickly replied, “No, no. Woh kahan se aayega?”

The checker moved on to the next passenger.

Authorities had initially expected Dube to arrive by flight. They were surprised to learn he had taken a train instead. However, police arranged an escort when he reached the station, ensuring a smooth exit.