Former Indian opener Akash Chopra has publicly challenged the banning of the all-rounder Shivam Dubey by India’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Englandscheduled to start on January 22, 2025. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially given Dube’s significant contribution to India’s recent T20 World Cup success.
A shocking omission
Chopra expressed his surprise in a video posted on his YouTube channel, highlighting Dube’s crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup win. The left-hander 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 squad left many questioning the reasoning behind the selection committee’s decision.“What happened to Shivam Dube? He was part of the team that won the T20 World Cup and now he is suddenly out of the picture. remarked Chopra. He pointed out that while there is stiff competition for the batting positions, Dube’s previous performance has given him another chance to prove himself.
ALSO READ: Will Indian captain Rohit Sharma visit Pakistan for captains shoot? Here’s what we know
Commission of Inquiry Under Examination
The decision to skip Dube has put the BCCI selection committee under scrutiny, led by a selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir they face criticism for their choices. Reports suggest that the management is turning its attention to younger players like Nitish Kumar Reddysuggesting a possible move away from established players who have previously contributed to the team’s success.
Chopra noted that while there are good reasons to prioritize younger talent, Dube’s track record should not be overlooked. “If he was good enough to be part of the World Cup squad, he deserves another two years of opportunities.” he stated.
As India prepare for the five-match T20I series against England, Shivam Dube’s exclusion remains a controversial issue among fans and analysts alike.
