[cricknation_live_score match=”‘You cannot just say that he is no longer needed’ – Aakash Chopra slams team management for overlooking Shivam Dube in T20Is vs New Zealand”]
- “You can’t just say he’s not needed anymore” – Aakash Chopra criticizes the team management for neglecting Shivam Dube during the T20Is against New Zealand. Aakash Chopra has questioned the Indian team management’s decision to leave Shivam Dube out of the starting XI for the entire T20I series against New Zealand.
- Shivam Dube (Photo by Peter Tarry/PA Images via ) After winning the first three games of their five-match T20I series against New Zealand, India had the opportunity to change their team in the remaining games.
- However, several players including Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Auqib Nabi and Kumar Kushagra remained unused throughout the series.
“You can’t just say he’s not needed anymore” – Aakash Chopra criticizes the team management for neglecting Shivam Dube during the T20Is against New Zealand. Aakash Chopra has questioned the Indian team management’s decision to leave Shivam Dube out of the starting XI for the entire T20I series against New Zealand.
Shivam Dube (Photo by Peter Tarry/PA Images via ) After winning the first three games of their five-match T20I series against New Zealand, India had the opportunity to change their team in the remaining games. However, several players including Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Auqib Nabi and Kumar Kushagra remained unused throughout the series. Dube’s complete absence has particularly attracted the attention of cricket analysts and former players, who have questioned the team management’s proach to player development and team management.
Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over Dube continuing to be left out of the starting XI. Chopra highlighted Dube’s proven track record in high-pressure international games and his recent performances across all formats. “Dube played the Asian Games final and scored runs and also played ODI cricket against England.
You can’t just say it’s no longer needed. I would be surprised if it comes off completely. Yes, Nitish Kumar Reddy has achieved a lot.
He is a better bowler but Shivam Dube is a better finisher,” Chopra said while speaking on . Why was Dube eliminated from the series? The selection debate between Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy probably centered on their contrasting strengths as bowling all-rounders.
For the opening T20I on October 22, 2026, the selectors preferred Reddy as they felt he might be a more effective pace hitter from a batting perspective. Dube’s particular value is evident in drier conditions, where slower balls in the field prove more effective than swing and seam motion, a factor that may have been overlooked in New Zealand conditions. Chopra emphasized that understanding the reasons behind the selection is crucial to fairly assessing the decision.
He acknowledged Reddy’s ability to bowl consistently but highlighted Dube’s unique ability to finish matches in a tournament environment. “What you want from a player can potentially determine your selection. But to do this, you also need to understand the thought process.
Nitish will give you the overs but Dube will finish the games. World Cup finals, Asian Games, Asian Cup – these are the places where Shivam Dube left his mark. I’m in no hurry to rule it out,” Chopra said.
Dube’s tournament qualifications bolstered the case for his inclusion. He was part of the Indian teams that won the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024 and 2026, proving his mettle when the stakes are highest. His experience at the Asian Games and Asian Cup further underlined his value in high-pressure situations, making his complete absence from the New Zealand series a notable point of contention among observers and former players.
