Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over the team management’s decision to send Shivam Dube at No. 8 during the second T20I against South Africa. India were bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs, suffering a 51-run defeat in Mullanpur.
Chopra questioned the timing of Dube’s entry, arguing that the hard-hitting all-rounder, whom he described as India’s “heavy artillery”, should have been used much earlier in a steep 214-run chase. Dube walked in with just 13 balls left, making it impossible for him to influence the outcome.
“Axar played 21 balls, but only 13 balls were left when Shivam Dube got to bat. The match was actually over. Whether he came to bat or not would have made no difference whatsoever. So Shivam Dube wasn’t utilised at all,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
He added, “This was a battle that had to be won from the front. Your heavy artillery should have been sent ahead. In a 214-run chase, if you save your resources for later, it becomes too late.”
Aside from Tilak Varma, who struck a brisk 62 off 34 balls, India’s batting lineup crumbled. Shubman Gill fell for a golden duck, Axar Patel’s experimental move to No. 3 yielded 21 off 21, and Hardik Pandya managed just 20 off 23 after starring in the first T20I. Dube was dismissed for 1 off 2 balls.
With the series tied 1–1, India will look to bounce back in the third match, scheduled for December 14 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
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