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Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has publicly questioned the exclusion of all-rounder Shivam Dube from India’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against England, set to begin on January 22, 2025. This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly 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 T20 World Cup victory. The left-handed batter was instrumental in the tournament, scoring 133 runs at a strike rate of 114.65 across eight innings, including a vital 27-run cameo in the final against South Africa.
Despite his contributions, Dube’s absence from the squad has left many questioning the rationale behind the selection committee’s decision.“What happened to Shivam Dube? He was part of the T20 World Cup-winning team, and now he’s suddenly out of the picture,” Chopra remarked. He highlighted that while there is fierce competition for batting spots, Dube’s previous performance warranted him another chance to prove himself.
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Selection Committee Under Scrutiny
The decision to omit Dube has put the BCCI selection committee under scrutiny, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir facing criticism for their choices. Reports suggest that the management is shifting its focus towards younger players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, indicating a potential move away from established players who have previously contributed to the team’s success.
Chopra noted that while there are valid reasons for prioritizing younger talent, Dube’s track record should not be overlooked. “If he was good enough to be part of the World Cup squad, he deserves to be given another year or two of opportunities,” he stated.
As India prepares for its five-match T20I series against England, Shivam Dube’s exclusion remains a contentious issue among fans and analysts alike.
