[cricknation_live_score match=”‘Criminal to think of benching Naman Dhir’ – Aakash Chopra’s massive statement ahead of 4th NZ vs IND T20I”]
- “It is criminal to think of benching Naman Dhir” – Aakash Chopra’s massive statement before the 4th NZ vs IND T20I. Aakash Chopra has backed Naman Dhir’s continued selection and wondered why Shivam Dube is not finding a place in India’s playing XI amid the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.
- Naman Dhir (Source: BCCI) Eden Park in Auckland will host India’s fourth T20I against New Zealand on October 30 with Shreyas Iyer leading the men in blue.
- India have already sealed the series after three straight wins, with emphasis on selection strategy and the form of middle-order batters as they battle for limited places in the playing XI.
“It is criminal to think of benching Naman Dhir” – Aakash Chopra’s massive statement before the 4th NZ vs IND T20I. Aakash Chopra has backed Naman Dhir’s continued selection and wondered why Shivam Dube is not finding a place in India’s playing XI amid the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.
Naman Dhir (Source: BCCI) Eden Park in Auckland will host India’s fourth T20I against New Zealand on October 30 with Shreyas Iyer leading the men in blue. India have already sealed the series after three straight wins, with emphasis on selection strategy and the form of middle-order batters as they battle for limited places in the playing XI. Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the selection debate, particularly regarding the retention of Naman Dhir and the continued absence of Shivam Dube from the team.
Chopra’s assessment highlights the tension between rewarding current form and returning experienced players to the team. Chopra felt that resting him would not be a good decision given the condition Dhir is currently in with the bat in hand. The former India opener said that if Shivam Dube is brought into the lineup, he should replace Nitish Kumar Reddy and not Dhir.
“It is criminal to bench Naman Dhir in the form he is in. He’s not being given to bowl. That’s a separate issue.
But, he can bowl. As for Shivam Dube, it is a mystery that he is not finding his place in the XI. He even played ODI cricket in England a few months ago.
Now he cannot find a place in the 11 in a T20 setup. Consecutive T20 World Champion. That’s what he is.
Performance also in the final. So when he plays, he plays for Nitish Kumar Reddy, not Naman Dhir,” Chopra said in a chat on . Dhir showed consistency in his batting throughout the series.
He scored 42 off 15 balls in the first T20I and 31 off 17 balls in the second game. His aggressive proach has been central to India’s success and Chopra’s remark about Dhir’s bowling ability adds another dimension to the case for retaining him. The 26-year-old has only thrown one shot in the first three games, but his batting form alone justifies his place in the XI.
What arguments does Shivam Dube make for the selection? The 33-year-old Dubé has not featured in any of the three T20Is played so far. India preferred Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir in the middle order, leaving the experienced batsman on the sidelines.
Dube played ODI cricket for India in England as recently as July 2026, demonstrating his recent involvement in international cricket. His credentials include wins at the 2024 and 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, highlighting the extensive experience he brings to the team. Also Read: “I’m taking a little more time” – Tilak Varma hits No. 1.
5 and 6 Chopra’s position reflects a clear hierarchy of selection priorities. If Dube is to be in the starting XI, he should replace Reddy and not Dhir, whose current form does not warrant him being on the bench. The selection debate has highlighted the competitive nature of India’s middle order, where several players are vying for opportunities in the T20I format.
