Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise that Shivam Dube was benched in all the five T20Is against New Zealand. India preferred the all-rounder duo of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir in the playing XI and both of them were able to grab their chances.
Dube’s fielding is also not up to the mark and he can be expensive with the ball. However, Chopra said Dube is a proven finisher with the bat and has done a fine job in the big matches for the team.
The renowned commentator said Dube has performed well in the crucial matches and he can’t be written off.
Aakash Chopra said on Cricinfo, “Dube played the Asian Games final and scored runs and he’s also played ODI cricket versus England. You can’t just say that he’s no longer needed. I’ll be surprised if he’s absolutely dislodged. Yes, Nitish Kumar Reddy has done a job. He’s a better bowler. Shivam Dube is a better finisher.”
“What you want from a player is something that might actually eventually decide your pick. But for that, we must also get to know the thought process. Nitish will give you the overs, but Dube will finish games. World Cup finals, Asian Games, Asia Cup, those are the places where Shivam Dube has come to his own. I’m in no hurry to actually write him off,” Chopra added.
Dube scored a pivotal knock of 27 runs off just 16 balls in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. He also scored 33 runs off 22 balls in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan in 2025. Furthermore, he played a cameo of 8-ball 26 in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand.
