Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed disappointment over all-rounder Shivam Dube not getting game time in the just-concluded five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which India won by 3-2.
Speaking exclusively to Cricinfo, Chopra acknowledged Nitish Kumar Reddy’s contributions as an all-rounder throughout the five-match series. However, the former cricketer felt that Shivam Dube is a more effective finisher than Reddy, while the latter has an edge over Dube with the ball in T20 cricket.
“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,” Chopra said on Cricinfo.
In the recently concluded T20I series against New Zealand, Reddy scored 71 runs in four innings at an average of 35.50 and picked up four wickets at an average of 48. Meanwhile, Chopra highlighted Dube’s contributions in several crucial matches, emphasising that the all-rounder has played an important role for India.
“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.
Speaking about Dube’s performances in high-pressure games, he scored 27 off 16 balls in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. He followed it up with a vital knock of 33 off 22 deliveries in the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan.
In 2026, Dube smashed 43 off 25 balls in the T20 World Cup semi-final against England before remaining unbeaten on 26 off just eight deliveries in the final against New Zealand. He also scored 27 off 15 balls and picked up two wickets in the Asian Games final against Pakistan.
