India, March 11 -- When New Zealand sensed their only opening in what had otherwise been a one-sided T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, claiming four wickets for 23 runs in quick succession, Shivam Dube ended any lingering hopes. The all-rounder smashed three boundaries and two sixes in an unbeaten 26 off just eight balls to power India to a record 255 for 5. Hours later, after India sealed a historic title, the unlikely hero had to stage a bizarre escape to make it home to Mumbai.

In the early hours of Monday, Dube, his wife Anjum and a friend were unable to secure a flight out of Ahmedabad. With tickets finally booked on a train, the India all-rounder faced another problem, the risk of being recognised and mobbed by jubilant fans still ...