Asia Cup 2025: 3 players who could have been picked instead of Shivam Dube in India’s squad

Asia Cup 2025: 3 players who could have been picked instead of Shivam Dube in India’s squad (Photo source: Jio Hotstar)

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav announced a 15-member squad for the impending Asia Cup in September in the UAE on Wednesday, August 19. One of the most controversial picks in the side was Shivam Dube, who has not been able to instill confidence with his performances in the shortest format after playing 35 T20Is.

Dube was a part of India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. While India went on to win the marquee event, Dube failed to impress with his outings with the bat as he scored 133 runs at an average of 22.16 and a strike rate of 114.65 in eight innings. However, he played a crucial 27-run knock off 16 balls in the final against South Africa.

Some strong contenders missed out on Wednesday. Let’s look at a few names who could have been better picks instead of Dube in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad.

3 players who could have been picked instead of Shivam Dube in India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad:

3. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal was reportedly fighting for the backup opener’s slot with Shubman Gill. The latter was eventually picked and was also appointed vice-captain of the side. Jaiswal was a part of India’s T20 World Cup squad in 2024, but he did not get a game, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opening the batting.

Yashasvi’s last T20I appearance was in the series against Sri Lanka in July 2024. He has scored 723 runs at an average of 35.15 and a strike rate of 164.32 in 23 T20Is. As Sanju Samson and Gill could also bat at No. 3, Yashasvi could have forged a formidable opening combination with Abhishek Sharma. Jaiswal likes to put the bowlers to the sword by playing aggressive cricket from the first ball, something that is highly-appreciated in T20 cricket.

2. KL Rahul

KL Rahul has been criticised over the years for his strike rates in the shortest format. However, in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, he showed that he has ditched his previous conservative approach and relied on aggressive batting to dominate opposition bowlers. Rahul scored 539 runs in 13 matches at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72, his best strike rate in any season since 2018.

The 33-year-old has played 72 T20Is, amassing 2265 runs at an average of 37.75 and a strike rate of 139.13. However, he has not played a T20I since India’s defeat in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in 2022 against England. Rahul is equally adept at hitting the big shots against pacers as well as spinners and this could have benefitted India immensely, especially in UAE.

1. Shreyas Iyer

Ahead of the meeting on Wednesday to decide the squad, there were several reports suggesting that Shreyas Iyer was set to make his comeback in the T20 lineup. The Mumbai batter led Punjab Kings to the finals of IPL 2025 and earned rich praise for his captaincy acumen. Shreyas scored consistently with the bat as well, aggregating 604 runs at an average of 50.33 at a strike rate of 175.07 in 17 matches.

However, Shreyas has not played T20I cricket since December 2023. He has 1104 runs from 51 T20Is at an average of 30.67 and a strike rate of 136.13. Shreyas’ experience and his ability to dominate spinners could have come in handy during the 2025 Asia Cup, especially because the matches are expected to be played in spin-friendly conditions in the UAE.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.