Former India opener Aakash Chopra has publicly questioned the exclusion of the all-rounder Shivam Dube from the Indian T20I team for the upcoming series against Englandwhich is scheduled to begin on January 22, 2025. The decision has raised eyebrows, especially given Dube’s significant contribution to India’s recent success in the T20 World Cup.
A shocking omission
Chopra expressed his surprise in a video posted on his YouTube channel, highlighting Dube’s key role in India’s T20 World Cup victory. The left-handed batsman was instrumental in the tournament, scoring 133 runs at a strike rate of 114.65 in eight innings, including a vital 27-run cameo in the final against South Africa.
Despite his contributions, Dube’s absence from the team has left many wondering about the reasoning behind the selection committee’s decision.“What happened to Shivam Dube? He was part of the T20 World Cup winning team and now he is suddenly gone.” remarked Chopra. He stressed that while there is fierce competition for batting spots, Dube’s previous performance warranted him another chance to prove himself.
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Selection committee under scrutiny
The decision to leave Duba out put the BCCI selection committee, with the chief selector, under scrutiny Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir they face criticism for their choices. Reports suggest that the management is shifting its focus to younger players like Nitish Kumar Reddyindicating a potential departure from established players who have previously contributed to the team’s success.
Chopra noted that while there are valid reasons for prioritizing younger talent, Dube’s performance should not be overlooked. “If he was good enough to be part of the World Cup squad, he deserves to be given another year or two,” he stated.
As India prepares for the five-match T20I series against England, Shivam Dube’s exclusion remains a contentious issue among fans and analysts.
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