Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has lashed out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the mismanagement of Shivam Dube. Chopra also highlighted his omission from the squad for the ongoing T20I series against South Africa.
Aakash Chopra questioned the BCCI and stated that it is surprising how the governing body manages some players. Chopra pointed out the thought process on Shivam Dube’s selection, saying that he was picked in the T20I series against Australia and without even playing a single game, he was dropped from the team.
Aakash Chopra also wondered what conversation the selectors might have had with Shivam Dube after leaving him. Taking X account of him, he stated:
“Sometimes you wonder about national teams and certain players. India picked Shivam Dubey for a 5-match T20i series against Australia. He didn’t play against him in a single game. Now, he does not make the 17-member team against SA. How do you communicate this to a player?
Sometimes you wonder about national teams and certain players. India picked Shivam Dubey for a 5-match T20i series against Australia. He didn’t play against him in a single game. Now, he does not make the 17-member team against SA. How do you communicate this to a player?
– Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 10, 2023
Shivam Dube returned to the Indian team after a sensational IPL 2023 for Chennai Super Kings. He managed 418 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 158.33 and an average of 38. His impressive performances in the league led to him being called up by India for the Asian Games as well as the three-match Ireland T20I series. .
Shivam Dube had decent performances in the Ireland series and the Asian Games. He was included in the squad for the five-match T20I series against Australia but failed to make it into the XI. It remains to be seen what his future will be in the Indian team with the World Cup just around the corner.
Aakash Chopra predicts South Africa series outcome
Aakash Chopra recently shared his prediction for India’s tour to South Africa 2023-24. He said the Proteas would end up winning the multi-format series by a margin of 5-3. He had declared:
“I see South Africa slightly ahead in the whole series. I may be completely wrong, and I hope so, but I foresee a few more games in South Africa’s favor. It could end 5-3 in their favor.”
India will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests on their tour of South Africa.