Why Shivam Dube Absolutely Deserved His Asia Cup Call-Up
India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE. While most picks were expected, one name sparked more debate than others: Shivam Dube.
The all-rounder, with 35 T20Is under his belt, made the cut ahead of the in-form Shreyas Iyer—raising more than a few eyebrows across social media. But a deeper dive into Dube’s numbers paints a very different picture—one of quiet consistency, clutch moments, and unmatched team impact.
The Streak No One’s Talking About
Let’s start with a wild stat: India has never lost a T20I match Dube has played in. Yes—30 straight T20I wins with him in the squad. That’s not just form; that’s aura.
In a format where momentum changes every over, Dube’s presence has been bizarrely bulletproof.
His World Cup Moment
In the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, when pressure peaked and wickets fell, Dube walked in and smashed 27 off 16 balls. It wasn’t a fifty or a highlight reel innings—but it was clutch, calculated, and came when India needed runs fast. Not everyone thrives in a final. Dube quietly did.
Death Overs? He Owns Them
Need fireworks at the end? Dube’s your guy. His strike rate of 151.66 in the final five overs is one of the best among Indian batters. He doesn’t just finish games—he powers through the chaos with ice in his veins.
Steady in a Stumbling CSK
IPL 2025 wasn’t exactly Chennai Super Kings’ best campaign, but Dube stood out. He scored 357 runs at an average of 32.45, with a strike rate of 132.22. While others struggled, he kept anchoring and accelerating when needed.
A Record of Consistency
Across 31 T20I matches, Dube has batted 26 times and piled up 531 runs at 31.23, with four half-centuries to his name. These aren’t eye-popping stats—but they scream dependability.
Verdict: Not Just a Wildcard
Critics may argue over Shreyas Iyer’s omission, but Dube didn’t sneak in by luck. He earned his spot through consistency, versatility, and clutch performances. The Asia Cup isn’t just about stars—it’s about balance. And Shivam Dube? He might just be India’s most underrated X-factor.
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