Ravichandran Ashwin spews venom against another CSK player; drops him from Asia Cup 2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin made a huge claim on Shivam Dube’s inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Ashwin stated that the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, may pick Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer over Dube in the T20I squad.

Shreyas Iyer had an outstanding IPL 2025 campaign. He scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 and guided Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in over a decade. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube endured a modest season with Chennai Super Kings, managing 357 runs in 14 outings at a strike rate of just 132.22.

Shivam Dube Doesn’t Have a Place - Ravichandran Ashwin on India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad

Ravichandran Ashwin said that Shivam Dube may not fit into the Asia Cup plans. He stated that Shreyas Iyer deserves the No.3 role, with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma batting depending on the match situation.

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Ashwin picked Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel for the all-rounders’ positions and added that Dube could only be considered as a backup option.

"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," Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, 'Ash Ki Baat'..

"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," he added.

We Will Have to Discuss Who Is the Backup Keeper - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin said that Sanju Samson has cemented his role as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. Ashwin added that Jitesh Sharma is the strongest contender for the backup spot due to his finishing abilities. He also mentioned other names in the mix, such as KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Rishabh Pant.

"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," Ashwin added.

Team India Expected to Announce Asia Cup 2025 Squad in Mumbai on August 19

Team India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is expected to be announced in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 19. The eight-nation T20 tournament will be held in the UAE from September 9 to September 28.

India will return to international cricket after their five-match Test series in England ended in a 2-2 draw. Middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in the Asia Cup 2025.

India will kick off their campaign against the hosts UAE on September 10. They will face Pakistan on September 14 and conclude the group stage against Oman on September 19.

The Super 4 stage will begin on September 20, with the final scheduled for September 28. Matches are set to be played across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. India are in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman.

Also read: Not Shubman Gill! Ambati Rayudu picks India's ODI captain after Rohit Sharma