Former Indian opener akash chopra has publicly questioned the exclusion of off-road vehicles Shivam Dubey of the Indian T20I team for the next series against Englandwhich will begin on January 22, 2025. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially given Dube’s significant contributions to India’s recent success in the T20 World Cup.
A shocking omission
Chopra expressed his surprise in a video posted on his YouTube channel, emphasizing Dube’s crucial role in India’s victory in the T20 World Cup. The left-handed batsman was instrumental in the tournament, scoring 133 runs at a strike rate of 114.65 in eight innings, including a vital 27-run cameo in the final against South Africa.
Despite his contributions, Dube’s absence from the team has left many questioning the rationale behind the selection committee’s decision.“What happened to Shivam Dube? “He was part of the winning T20 World Cup team and now suddenly he is out of the picture.” -Chopra commented-. He highlighted that while there is fierce competition for batting spots, Dube’s past performance guaranteed him another chance to prove himself.
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Selection committee under scrutiny
The decision to omit Dube has brought under scrutiny the BCCI selection committee, whose chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautama Gambhir facing criticism for their decisions. Reports suggest that the management is shifting its focus towards younger players like Nitish Kumar Reddyindicating a possible move away from established players who have previously contributed to the team’s success.
Chopra noted that while there are valid reasons to prioritize younger talent, Dube’s track record should not be overlooked. “If he was good enough to make the World Cup team, he deserves to be given one or two more years of opportunities.” he stated.
As India prepares for its five-match T20I series against England, Shivam Dube’s exclusion remains a contentious topic among fans and analysts alike.