"I'll be surprised if he's absolutely dislodged" - Aakash Chopra's big statement on Team India all-rounder after NZ vs IND 2026 T20Is
Former batter Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise over India's decision to bench Shivam Dube during the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Former batter Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise over India's decision to bench Shivam Dube during the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Admitting that Nitish Kumar Reddy has done a good job, Chopra described Dube as a proven performer with the bat as a finisher.
India beat New Zealand 3-2 in the five-match T20I series that concluded on Sunday, November 1. The Men in Blue backed Reddy for all five matches even as Dube warmed the benches.
Sharing his views on India's choice of all-rounders during the T20I series against New Zealand, Chopra told Cricinfo:
"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.
"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.
Reddy scored 71 runs in four innings against New Zealand at an average of 35.50 and a strike rate of 165.12. With the ball, he claimed four wickets at an economy rate of 11.23.
Dube's crucial contributions in big games for India
Team India's batting all-rounder Dube has a knack of performing on the big stage. He has come with some defining performances with the willow in major clashes over the last couple of years.
The southpaw smashed 27 off 16 balls in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados, with three fours and a six. He also scored 33 off 22 against Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final in Dubai. Further, he smacked 26* off 8 in the 2026 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad and 27 off 15 in the Asian Games 2026 final against Pakistan in Nisshin.
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