Shivam Dube is warming the bench in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.
Former cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath shared his thoughts on the future of all-rounder Shivam Dube in India’s T20I setup, amid the ongoing series against New Zealand.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cric it with Badri, Badrinath emphasized how the emergence of younger, more dynamic all-rounders has heavily compromised Dube's position in the national squad.
Badrinath named young prospects Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir as "multidimensional" alternatives who bat, bowl, and field exceptionally well.
Badrinath classified Dube as "somewhat single-dimensional", noting that while the latter is highly effective at smashing spinners and chipping in with a couple of overs, his fielding is "terrible".
According to him, fielding and fitness limitations will make it incredibly difficult for the 33-year-old Dube to break back into the starting lineup unless injuries open up an unexpected spot.
"I won't say it's the end of the road for him, considering the possibilities of injuries to others. But it'll be very difficult for him to break into the playing XI again. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir are fitting into the same category very well. They bowl, bat, and are excellent fielders. These two are multidimensional, especially with their fielding," Badrinath said.
"Meanwhile, Dube is somewhat single-dimensional. He can smash spinners and give two overs of bowling. And fielding is terrible. Fielding and fitness is where Dube takes a hit. So it's going to be hard for him to return to the XI," he added.
Despite such assessments, Shivam Dube remains a prominent figure in India's recent white-ball history, having been an integral squad member of back-to-back T20 World Cup triumphs.
Chasing 181 in the second T20I, the Men in Blue found themselves tottering at 70/5 in 10.5 overs. The recovery unfolded in two distinct phases. Naman triggered the turnaround with a lightning-fast 31 off 17 balls, hammering three crucial sixes to shift the momentum back toward India.
Following Dhir's departure at 112/6, Tilak Varma (51* off 26 balls) took the matter into his hands and put on an unbeaten 69-run stand with Nitish (26* off 13 balls) to propel India over the line with four wickets and one delivery to spare.
Badrinath was effusive in praise of Naman Dhir’s cameo also highlighted his utility as an all-rounder.
"His (Naman Dhir) knock was underrated in the second T20I. It came when the situation was tough. Even Tilak Varma acknowledged it after the game. And he bowls off-spin as well," Badrinath stated.
India are leading the five-T20I series 2-0. The third match will be played in Wellington on Tuesday (October 27).