Asia Cup 2023: "One Name They Should Have Definitely Considered Is Shivam Dube..." - Sunil Joshi Disagrees With Gautam Gambhir’s Idea

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir said that India should have picked Shivam Dube in the Asia Cup 2023 squad as a backup for Hardik Pandya. However, former India chief selector Sunil Joshi disagreed with this idea.

India recently announced a 17-member squad for Asia Cup 2023. If we talk about medium-pace all-rounders, India has picked Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur. Shivam Dube recently showed good batting form in IND vs IRE T20I series.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Need Backup For Hardik Pandya – Gautam Gambhir Says Shivam Dube Should’ve Been In The Squad

Shivam Dube Has Struggled With The Bat And On The Field: Sunil Joshi

During a conversation on Star Sports, former Indian vice-captain Gautam Gambhir said that India should have inducted Shivam Dube into Asia Cup 2023 squad. According to Gambhir, Dube is a better backup for Hardik Pandya than Shardul Thakur.

“One name they should have definitely considered is Shivam Dube bevause of the king of form he is in. You need a backup for Hardik Pandya. Shardul Thakur can’t be that. Shardul Thakur cannot be Hardik’s backup”, the LSG mentor said.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Let It Be Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul Or Anybody: Gautam Gambhir Urges Selectors To Pick In-Form Players

However, former Indian player and chief selector Sunil Joshi didn’t agree with Gambhir’s views. Sunil Joshi said that Dube has struggled with the ball and he has only been scoring in T20s.

“No, I don’t think so. We have seen Shivam Dube. He would’ve been scoring in T20s but this is entirely different format and a different tournament. With due respect to Gautam, this is my view. He has struggled with the ball and also in the field”, Joshi said.

Shivam Dube impressed with his batting might in IPL 2023, where he slammed crucial knocks for champions Chennai Super Kings in the middle order. With his brilliant IPL 2023 stint, the left-handed batter also got a chance to make a comeback to the Indian team in IND vs IRE T20I series. He batted in the 2nd T20I, smacking 22 runs off 16 balls with 2 sixes.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: ‘Useless Thought’ – Gautam Gambhir’s Reply To Ravi Shastri’s Suggestion Of Including Three Left-handers In XI

A few years ago, Dube played 1 ODI and 13 T20Is for India but could not cement his place in the team. He is a medium-pace all-rounder. Meanwhile, Asia Cup 2023 begins on August 30. India will play their opening game against Pakistan on September 2.