After winning the opening three matches of their five-match T20I series against New Zealand, India had the opportunity to rotate their squad in the remaining games. However, several players including Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Auqib Nabi and Kumar Kushagra, remained unused throughout the series. Dube's complete absence drew particular attention from cricket analysts and former players who questioned the team management's approach to player development and squad management.

Aakash Chopra expressed his concern over Dube's continued exclusion from the playing eleven. Chopra highlighted Dube's proven track record in high-pressure international matches and his recent performances across formats.

"Dube played the Asian Games final and scored runs, and he has also played ODI cricket against England. You cannot just say that he is no longer needed. I will be surprised if he is absolutely dislodged. Yes, Nitish Kumar Reddy has done a job. He is a better bowler, but Shivam Dube is a better finisher," Chopra said while speaking on Cricinfo.

Why was Dube overlooked in the series?

The selection debate between Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to have centred on their contrasting strengths as seam-bowling allrounders. For the opening T20I on October 22, 2026, selectors preferred Reddy, possibly viewing him as a more effective pace hitter from a batting standpoint. Dube's particular value emerges in drier conditions where slower balls into the pitch prove more effective than swing and seam movement, a factor that may have been overlooked in the New Zealand conditions.

Chopra emphasised that understanding the selection rationale was crucial to evaluating the decision fairly. He acknowledged Reddy's ability to bowl overs consistently but stressed Dube's unique capacity to finish matches in tournament settings.

"What you want from a player is something that might eventually decide your selection. But for that, we must also understand the thought process. Nitish will give you the overs, but Dube will finish games. World Cup finals, Asian Games, Asia Cup-those are the places where Shivam Dube has come into his own. I am in no hurry to write him off," Chopra said.

Dube's tournament credentials strengthened the case for his inclusion. He was part of Indian teams that won the Men's T20 World Cup in 2024 and 2026, demonstrating his ability to perform when stakes are highest. His experience in the Asian Games and Asia Cup further underscored his value in high-pressure situations, making his complete absence from the New Zealand series a notable point of contention among observers and former players.