Abhishek Sharma Beats Shivam Dube in Fun Kite Duel

With the India-Afghanistan T20I series just days away, Team India’s camp is already showing signs of energy, confidence and a touch of fun. At Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 10, 2026, Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube turned a light-hearted kite-flying contest into a small but memorable moment before the serious business begins.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India shared a video of the exchange on X, offering fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at a relaxed Indian dressing room. In the clip, Abhishek came out on top and wasted no time teasing Dube with a cheeky remark that quickly caught attention online.

A playful contest before a serious series

The banter between the two left-handed power-hitters was friendly, but Abhishek made sure to make the moment count. Drawing on his childhood experience, he joked in Hindi that Bombay was still far behind when it came to kite flying, adding that it would take years to catch up to the skills he and his generation had built over time.

It was a small exchange, but one that said plenty about the mood inside the camp. India are preparing for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, and moments like this suggest the squad is combining focus with a calm, confident atmosphere.

What Abhishek and Dube bring to India

Beyond the fun and friendly teasing, both players are expected to play important roles in India’s batting plans. Abhishek Sharma has built a reputation as an aggressive opener who can attack from the very first ball, instantly putting pressure on opposition bowlers in the powerplay.

His style makes him a natural tone-setter. When Abhishek gets going early, India often gain momentum quickly, forcing fielding captains to rethink plans almost immediately.

Shivam Dube, on the other hand, brings firepower in the middle overs and beyond. His ability to clear the boundary with ease makes him a valuable asset when India need acceleration late in the innings.

“Abhishek’s intent at the top and Dube’s muscle in the middle give India a strong batting balance,” one team observer noted, summing up why both players remain central to India’s T20 blueprint.

India vs Afghanistan: series schedule and venue

The three T20Is will all be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, creating a stable setting for both teams across six days. The opener is scheduled for September 13, followed by the second match on September 15 and the third on September 17, with all games set to begin at 7:00 PM IST.

Keeping the entire series at one venue removes travel from the equation and allows both squads to settle into rhythm more quickly. That can matter in a short series, where small adjustments and consistency often decide the outcome.

Why this warm-up moment matters

While the kite-flying duel had no bearing on match points or wickets, it did reveal the personality of the group. India’s camp appears calm, connected and ready to shift gears once the first ball is bowled.

For fans, such clips are more than just entertainment. They offer a glimpse into chemistry, confidence and the atmosphere around a team entering a new assignment.

As the series approaches, India will hope the light mood continues into strong performances on the field. Abhishek Sharma has already claimed one early win over Shivam Dube, even if it came in a kite-flying duel rather than a cricketing battle. The real test, though, begins on September 13.