Former Indian opener and commentator Aakash Chopra expressed concern over Shivam Dube not getting a chance in the just-concluded five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which India won by 3-2.
Speaking to Cricinfo, Chopra acknowledged Nitish Kumar Reddy’s efforts as an all-rounder in the five-game series. However, the former cricketer asserted that Dube is a better finisher than Reddy in the shortest format.
“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 just-concluded T20I series against New Zealand, Reddy amassed 71 runs in four innings at an average of 35.5 and scalped four wickets with the ball at an average of 48. Further, Chopra stated that Dube played a pivotal role in a lot of important matches, adding that he is in no hurry to write him off.
“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 heroics in crunch moments, he scored 27 off 16 in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Later, he amassed 43 off 25 in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England and 26* off 8 in the final against New Zealand.
In the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, Dube scored a vital 33 off 22 and smacked a 27-run knock off 15, and picked up two wickets in the recent Asian Games 2026 final against Pakistan.
