Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced doubts about Shivam Dube chances of making India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. The former India cricketer believes Shreyas Iyer should be India’s No.3, leaving no space for the T20 World Cup-winning all-rounder.
Shreyas Iyer Backed as Key Middle-Order Batter
According to Ashwin, India batting lineup works better with Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma in the middle order. He feels this combination pushes Dube out, as Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel already cover the all-rounder slots.
‘Shivam Dube doesn’t have a place in India’s Asia Cup squad’: Ashwin
“Shreyas at 3. Surya and Tilak can float. Surya and Tilak can change between 4 and 5. If you are bringing Shreyas Iyer on the scheme of things, then Shivam Dube doesn’t have a place. He doesn’t have a place. He can be a backup position. Which we can discuss. Because if Shreyas Iyer, Surya and Tilak, if they form your top 5, then it is 6 and 7. 6 and 7 is a block. Akshar Patel and Hardik Pandya. There is no debate in that,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, ‘Ash Ki Baat’.
Dube’s Recent Form Raises Concerns
Dube’s IPL 2025 performance has not helped his case. He scored 357 runs for Chennai Super Kings across 14 matches, but his strike rate of 132.22 was his lowest in four seasons.
Backup Keeper Spot Strengthens Ashwin’s Argument
Ashwin also explained that the selection of a backup wicketkeeper further weakens Dube’s chances. He said Sanju Samson is the clear first-choice, while Jitesh Sharma could step in as the backup option.
“We have sent Sanju up (the order). So, we will have to discuss who is the backup keeper. There are many candidates for backup keeper. Last time, Dhruv Jhurel was there. KL Rahul is there. Rishabh Pant, I am not sure if he is recovered.
But on one hand, the real person that I think is going to walk into this Indian team is Jitesh Sharma. As per his IPL, and the way he batted, and he can play the role of a finisher. If Jitesh Sharma is your backup keeper, then Shivam Dube goes out of the window.
Shivam Dube cannot come. If Jitesh Sharma is going to be a part of it, Shivam Dubey is out. Shivam Dube cannot come in.
Because Jitesh Sharma will take care of finishing. Which means, Jitesh Sharma becomes your backup wicket-keeper. Which is your 15th slot,” Ashwin added.
Ashwin Names His Bowling and Spin Choices
Ashwin also shared his thoughts on the bowling unit. He backed Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Washington Sundar, while also naming Varun Chakaravarthy in the spin department.
“So, at number 8, it is between Washington Sundar and Kuldeep. You know my opinion. Kuldeep Yadav at 8. So, Washington Sundar goes to number 14. At number 9, Varun Chakraborty. You must have seen in TNPL, the way he batted. He has worked a bit on batting.
At 10, Bumrah. And at 11, Ashneep Singh. 11 is over. 14 and 15 are also over.”
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