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'You cannot just say that he is no longer needed' – Aakash Chopra slams team management for overlooking Shivam Dube in T20Is vs New Zealand

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has criticized the Indian team management for failing to utilize Shivam Dube during the recent T20I series against New Zealand. Despite India securing victories in the first three matches of the five-game series, Dube remained on the sidelines alongside teammates Kuldeep Yadav, Auqib Nabi, and Kumar Kushagra.

Chopra argued that Dube's proven ability to perform in high-stakes environments, such as World Cup finals and the Asian Games, makes his total exclusion difficult to justify. While acknowledging that Nitish Kumar Reddy offers superior bowling utility, Chopra emphasized that Dube remains a vital finisher for the squad.

The selection preference for Reddy in the October 22, 2026, opener suggests a strategic focus on pace-hitting, though critics believe Dube's specific skill set was overlooked for the conditions.

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