Shivam Dube claimed three wickets against the UAE in India’s Group A Asia Cup match. However, he will need to deliver consistently with the ball to truly earn the management’s trust.
Shivam Dube Shines but Faces Tougher Tests Ahead
Shivam Dube impressed in India’s Asia Cup 2025 opening match against the UAE, returning with three wickets while filling in as the third pacer. However, former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh believes the all-rounder must maintain consistent performances to convince the management that he can be trusted with the ball.
In the Group A fixture, India went in with just one frontline pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, while Hardik Pandya and Dube filled the remaining bowling spots. Dube delivered a spell of 3/4 in two overs, dismissing Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, and Junaid Siddique.
Ramesh, however, questioned the decision by Gautam Gambhir and the management to use Dube as the third seam-bowling option. He noted that performing well against a weaker side like the UAE is not a true test, and Dube’s real challenge will come against stronger opposition.
“There was a time when Hardik Pandya was our third seamer in T20s. Now, if Shivam Dube is your third seamer, the graph is heading down there itself. Yes, he bowled well yesterday, but it was against a side anyone can bowl well against,” Ramesh said on his YouTube channel. “Going forward, against decent sides, this could become a challenge. They are preferring Shivam Dube over Rinku Singh only because of the bowling and the third seaming option. It is clear that the management has consistently shown faith in Shivam Dube. It’s a good thing, but it remains to be seen if he repays the trust,” he added.
Sanju Samson’s place
The UAE were bundled out for their lowest-ever T20I score against India, falling all out for 57 in 13.1 overs as Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets. India chased the total comfortably, winning with nine wickets in hand and 93 balls to spare.
In the match, India included Sanju Samson in the middle order, slotting him at No. 5. Former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh expressed concerns over this move and questioned the strategy behind it.
“But in T20 cricket, there is a big difference between batting in the powerplay and batting without the advantage of the powerplay against quality bowling attacks. There is a good chance of Sanju Samson facing challenges in the middle order,” he added.