Imagine this: India facing off against Pakistan in a thrilling Super 4 of the Asia Cup 2025, and the hype isn’t around Kohli cover drives or Bumrah yorkers. The discussion is around whether Shivam Dube even deserves this, as India’s “extra bowler”. The famous off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has added fuel to the fire, calling into question the value of Dube’s position. Quite frankly, he is right – Dube has been more of a passenger than a difference-maker.
Does Batting Depth Trump Bowling Quality?
The idea behind picking Shivam Dube was simple: extend the batting lineup so India doesn’t collapse if the top order has an off day. Sounds smart on paper, right? But here’s the catch—Dube’s bowling hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations. Yes, he started with a three-wicket haul against the UAE, but since then it’s been downhill. Against Oman, he leaked 31 runs in just three overs, and with the bat, he scratched around for a forgettable 5 off 8 balls.
Ashwin’s critique goes to the heart of the matter. If a player is being selected primarily due to his contribution with the ball, why not select a specialist bowler like Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh who can, if necessary, bat a little? In T20s, your fifth bowler is your fifth bowler; he’s either going to win or lose you the match. India cannot have a weakness against Pakistan when Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are looking to make a big score.
Surya’s Unconventional Approach and What It Signals
Another subplot in this debate is Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy style. Against Oman, he literally batted at No. 11 and didn’t even come out despite India losing eight wickets. It was almost like he said, “You guys handle this, I’ll just toss the coin and chill.” While it was funny to watch, it also shows India is using these group-stage games as experimental match practice.
But experiments can only go so far. In the Super 4s, especially against Pakistan, every decision matter. If Dube continues to be that awkward “half-bowler, half-batsman, not-quite-either” option, India might find themselves one bowler short or one batsman too many. And that’s exactly the risk Ashwin is pointing out—India may have been able to afford it against Oman, but Pakistan won’t be that forgiving.
Oman’s Fightback: A Wake-Up Call for India
Oman might not be a cricketing powerhouse, but their spirited fight against India (167/4 while chasing 189) was a reminder that even so-called weaker teams can expose gaps. Without Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy, India’s bowling looked vulnerable, and Dube didn’t help the cause.
If Oman can push India that far, imagine what Pakistan’s batting lineup could do if one of India’s bowlers has an off day. That’s why Ashwin’s concern feels timely. Against top-tier opponents, there’s no room for passengers in the XI. Every player needs a clearly defined role. Right now, Dube’s role feels more like a gamble than a strategy.
FAQs
- Why is Ravichandran Ashwin questioning Shivam Dube’s role in the Asia Cup 2025?
Ashwin feels Dube hasn’t contributed enough with the ball, making him a weak option compared to a specialist bowler.
- How has Shivam Dube performed so far in the Asia Cup 2025?
He started well with a three-wicket spell against the UAE but struggled in later matches with both bat and ball.
- Who could replace Shivam Dube in India’s playing XI?
Specialist bowlers like Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana are potential alternatives who also add depth with the bat.
