Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all -rounder Ravichandran Ashwin made a big claim on the inclusion of Shivam Dubey in India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Ashwin said that under the leadership of Ajit Agkar, the selection committee can do the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Kings (PBKS).
Shreyas Iyer had an outstanding IPL 2025 campaign. He scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 and directed Punjab Kings in his first IPL final in more than a decade. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube ended a modest season with Chennai Super Kings, which manages 357 runs in 14 outings at just 132.22 strike rates.
Shivam Dubey is not replacing – Ravichandran Ashwin on India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Ravichandran Ashwin said that Shivam Dubey cannot fit in the Asia Cup plans. He said that Shreyas Iyer is entitled to the role of No. 3 with batting based on the position of the match.
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Ashwin chose Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel for the posts of all -rounders and said that Dube could only be considered a backup option.
“3 in Sri and Tilak. Sun and Tilak can swim. The Sun and Tilak can change between 4 and 5. If you are bringing Shreyas Iyer on the plan of things, Shivam Dubey does not have a place. They don’t have a place,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, ‘Ash’s Bat’.
“That may be a backup situation. Which we can discuss. Because if Shreyas Iyer, Surya and Tilak, if they build your top 5, it is 6 and 7. 6 and 7 are a block. Akshar Patel and Hardik Pandya. There is no debate,” he said.
We have to discuss who is the backup keeper – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that Sanju Samson has strengthened his role as the first choice wicketkeeper-butter. Ashwin said that Jitesh Sharma is the strongest contender for the backup space due to his finishing capabilities. He also mentioned other names in the mixture, such as KL Rahul, Dhruv Juril and Rishabh Pant.
“We have sent Sanju (order) to Sanju. So, we have to discuss who is the backup keeper. There are many candidates for the backup keeper. Last time, Dhruv Jhurle was there. KL Rahul is there. Rishabh Pant, I am not sure if he is recovered.”
“But on the one hand, I think the real person who is going to walk in this Indian team is Jitesh Sharma. According to his IPL, and the way he batted, and he can play the role of a finisher. If Jitesh Sharma is your backup keeper, Shivam Dubey goes out of the window,” said Askavin.
Team India expected to announce the Asia Cup 2025 Squad in Mumbai on August 19
Team India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is expected to be in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 19. The eight-nation T20 tournament will be held in UAE from 9 September to 28 September.
India will return to international cricket after the five-match Test series draws 2–2 in England. Middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in the Asia Cup 2025.
India will discontinue its campaign against host UAE on 10 September. They will face Pakistan on 14 September and conclude the group stage against Oman on 19 September.
The Super 4 stage will start from September 20, with the final scheduled for September 28. The matches are to be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. India is in Group A with Pakistan, UAE and Oman.
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