Legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Shreyas Iyer's potential inclusion in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, hinting that all-rounder Shivam Dube may have to face the axe despite playing a part in India’s T20 World Cup triumph last year.
Ashwin reckons Dube, who has been a mainstay in India’s T20I team for nearly two years, doesn’t fit in the scheme of things for the continental showpiece.
In the T20I format, Shreyas hasn’t been in the scheme of things since the beginning of 2024. However, he has strengthened his selection claims through consistent performances in the IPL over the past two editions.
The 30-year-old played a key role both as a batter and captain, leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the title win in 2024, and guiding Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final of the IPL 2025 season.
According to Ashwin, Iyer is the ideal candidate to bat at No. 3 in India’s T20I XI, followed by Tilak Varma and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who might swap positions given the situation of the game.
"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. 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," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, 'Ash Ki Baat'.
Since Sanju Samson is more or less confirmed as the first-choice keeper-batter, Ashwin threw his weight behind Jitesh Sharma for the backup keeper's spot. Jitesh played the role of a finisher in RCB’s IPL 2025 title win.
“We have sent Sanju up (the order). So, we will have to discuss who the backup keeper is. There are many candidates for backup keeper. Last time, Dhruv Jurel was there. KL Rahul is there. Rishabh Pant, I am not sure if he has recovered," Ashwin stated.
“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," he further remarked.
India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 will be unveiled on August 19, while the Men in Blue will open their campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai.
