Ashwin Rules Out Shivam Dube from India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Ravichandran Ashwin has raised doubts about Shivam Dube place in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. The former cricketer said the selectors should back Shreyas Iyer at No.3, leaving no space for the T20 World Cup-winning all-rounder.
Ashwin explained that India’s batting order could see Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma take the key middle-order roles. This means the all-rounders’ slots will likely go to Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, ruling Dube out.
Ashwin backs Iyer ahead of Dube
‘Shivam Dube doesn’t have a place in India Asia Cup squad’: Ashwin
“Shreyas at 3. Surya and Tilak can float. Surya and Tilak can change between 4 and 5. If you are bringing Shreyas Iyer on the scheme of things, then Shivam Dube doesn’t have a place. He doesn’t have a place. He can be a backup position. Which we can discuss. Because if Shreyas Iyer, Surya and Tilak, if they form your top 5, then it is 6 and 7. 6 and 7 is a block. Akshar Patel and Hardik Pandya. There is no debate in that,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, ‘Ash Ki Baat’.
Dube’s IPL numbers under scanner
Shivam Dube managed 357 runs in 14 matches for CSK in IPL 2025. However, his strike rate of 132.22 was his lowest in four years. This drop in form has further weakened his claim for a spot in the Asia Cup XI.
Backup wicketkeeper choice impacts Dube
Ashwin suggested Sanju Samson will remain the first-choice keeper-batter, while Jitesh Sharma could grab the backup role.
“We have sent Sanju up (the order). So, we will have to discuss who is the backup keeper. There are many candidates for backup keeper. Last time, Dhruv Jhurel was there. KL Rahul is there. Rishabh Pant, I am not sure if he is recovered.
But on one hand, the real person that I think is going to walk into this Indian team is Jitesh Sharma. As per his IPL, and the way he batted, and he can play the role of a finisher. If Jitesh Sharma is your backup keeper, then Shivam Dube goes out of the window.
Shivam Dube cannot come. If Jitesh Sharma is going to be a part of it, Shivam Dubey is out. Shivam Dube cannot come in.
Because Jitesh Sharma will take care of finishing. Which means, Jitesh Sharma becomes your backup wicket-keeper. Which is your 15th slot,” Ashwin added.
Spinners and bowling setup
Ashwin also predicted the spinner options and bowling attack for the squad. “So, at number 8, it is between Washington Sundar and Kuldeep. You know my opinion. Kuldeep Yadav at 8. So, Washington Sundar goes to number 14. At number 9, Varun Chakraborty. You must have seen in TNPL, the way he batted. He has worked a bit on batting.
At 10, Bumrah. And at 11, Ashneep Singh. 11 is over. 14 and 15 are also over.”
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