Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over Shivam Dube’s inclusion purely to strengthen the batting lineup ahead of India’s opening Asia Cup 2025 Super Four encounter against Pakistan in Dubai on September 21. Dube has featured in all three group-stage matches as India’s eighth batting option, preferred over specialist pacer Arshdeep Singh.
The 32-year-old began the tournament on a strong note with a three-wicket haul against the UAE, though he did not get a chance to bat. Against Pakistan in the group stage, his role was reversed as he contributed an unbeaten 10 runs but did not bowl. In the most recent clash against Oman, however, Dube faltered in both departments—managing just 5 runs off 8 deliveries while conceding 31 runs in three overs.
Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of the Pakistan clash (1:00), Ashwin shared his views on Dube’s selection:
“The match would have taught India a great lesson. I am really doubting the impact of having Shivam Dube as the extra bowler. If you definitely need a bowler in that position, you would be better off playing Harshit Rana in the position and making him bat.”
Ashwin also commended Oman for their determined display against India, despite the Men in Blue not being at full strength.
“Coming to the match, a champion like Bumrah and a rare mystery spinner like Varun Chakravarthy did not play. So if you remove these two and the pitch is good to bat on, then Oman showed that they possess some quality. At the same, there were a few lessons for India as well,” he said.
“As if he was just there for the toss”– Ashwin quips on Suryakumar at No. 11
Ravichandran Ashwin shared his amusement at Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to drop himself to No. 11 in the match against Oman. Surya didn’t get a chance to bat during the innings, as India lost eight wickets while posting 188 in 20 overs.
“What I liked the most was usually when playing against a good side, a captain looks to do everything from batting, bowling, fielding and take up all the responsibility. Here, Surya did the exact opposite by sending everyone ahead.”
“It was like he told the others that he will only do the coin toss and it was upto the others to ensure he didn’t bat. For India, it was more like match practice, while Oman can take a lot of confidence out of it,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
