“Shivam Dube is not a finisher” - Ravichandran Ashwin questions CSK's batting order amid struggles in IPL 2026

Former Team India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin strongly advised the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management against using Shivam Dube as their primary death-overs finisher. Ashwin pointed out that the ₹12 crore star is better suited to a middle-order enforcer role rather than batting in the final overs.

Chennai Super Kings will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 23. Shivam Dube has scored 123 runs in six matches at an average of 41.00 and a strike rate of 150.00. The left-handed batter managed to score 21 runs from 16 balls in the previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about Shivam Dube’s role in the CSK batting lineup. He clarified that Dube has strong potential but currently lacks the experience needed to consistently perform the demanding role of a finisher.

"Dube is not a finisher. In the Indian team, he batted in the lower middle-order in the games they did not use against spin. He played a support role to Hardik Pandya in the end overs. But he is not your bonafide finisher. He can grow into that role as a finisher, but as of now, he isn't," Ashwin said.

Dube struggled in finishing games in Chennai Super Kings’ recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team required just 83 runs from the last 10 overs, but the chase slipped away. Dube could not guide CSK to victory in that situation.

CSK Should Use Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis Earlier - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin further emphasized that Chennai Super Kings should use Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis earlier in the innings. He criticized the management for holding back their spin-hitters while chasing a modest target against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

"Instead, CSK should use him and Brevis to finish the match earlier. But when you don't use him in that role and play him as a finisher, it looks out of place. Dube is batting very well, and in this particular game, he should be playing a vast majority of Santner's overs," he continued.

Urvil Patel Has To Replace Ayush Mhatre - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin suggested several strategic changes after the injury to Ayush Mhatre. He proposed using Urvil Patel or MS Dhoni in the lineup while also recommending adjustments to the overseas pace combination based on the Wankhede Stadium pitch conditions.

"Urvil Patel has to replace Ayush Mhatre if Dhoni isn't playing. If Dhoni is playing, then he replaces Mhatre, and Sarfaraz Khan has to bat at No.3. There is a good chance Spencer Johnson replaces Matthew Short because you don't need another spinner in Mumbai," said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).

"Or if CSK want to play to their strengths, they can see Akeal Hosein like a fast bowler and give him two overs in the powerplay. This is possible as MI's opening pair of Quinton de Kock and Danish Malewar isn't all that threatening. So Akeal Hosein's arm-balls could work against them. But if they go with Spencer Johnson for Short, then drop Mukesh Choudhary and play both Urvil Patel and MS Dhoni," he further elaborated.

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