IND Vs IRE: 'Shivam Dube Is Not Hardik Pandya But..'- Aakash Chopra's Colossal Verdict On Indian All Rounder

Former India batsman, Aakash Chopra spoke on Shivam Dube’s role in the first T20I match of the three-game series on Friday (August 18) and said that he can give the Men in Blues a bowling option even though he doesn’t have much bowling quality.

In the first T20I match, India beat Ireland by two runs (DLS method) since rain disrupted the game during the start of the second inning.

In the first inning, the Indian bowling attack showcased a stunning performance. Jasprit Bumrah’s two-wicket haul was the most talkative point after the match since it was his first game after returning from injury. Ravi Bishnoi and Prasidh Krishna also took two wickets each.

Jasprit Bumrah also gave a chance to Shivam Dube to deliver one over, in which he gave away six runs.

In the second inning, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad made a 46-run partnership but Sanju Samson’s one run helped India to get the victory.

He gives you an option: Aakash Chopra on Shivam Dube

While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that it will be interesting how Jasprit Bumrah will use Shivam Dube in the second T20I match since in the series opener, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star all-rounder already delivered one over.

“I want to see how much Shivam Dube is used. He was given one over in the last match. Will they try to bowl him more overs in this match? While Hardik Pandya is your designated finisher and fast-bowling all-rounder and Shivam Dube might not have as much bowling ability, he gives you an option. So you should definitely exercise that option,” said Aakash Chopra.

While talking about India’s batting lineup, the 45-year-old said that it will not be simple once the ball becomes old even though Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad had a good game.

“In batting, it will be interesting if the ball swings at the start. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad played well however long they played but this is going to be a challenge. It is not that simple, although this pitch becomes flat once the ball is no longer new. If our bowlers can get hit, you can hit their bowlers as well,” the former India batsman added.

Jasprit Bumrah-led India will square off against Paul Stirling’s Ireland in the second T20I match on Sunday (August 20) at Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin.