A former star of Team India counters Gautam Gambhir's selection verdict for the Asia Cup 2023
The India squad for the Asia Cup 2023 has gotten mixed reactions, with a section of fans and experts pointing out the apparent 'flaws' that exist in the team. While highlighting one of the problem areas in the team, former star of Team India Gautam Gambhir asserted the need to have a proper backup for Hardik Pandya. Though Shardul Thakur has shown over time how productive he can be with the bat, Gambhir doesn't think he is the ideal backup for Hardik. The former India opening batsman, instead, wanted Shivam Dube to have gotten the nod.
In a chat, Gambhir said, "One name they (the select) should have definitely considered is Shivam Dube because of the kind of form he is in. You need a backup for Hardik Pandya. Shardul Thakur can't be Hardik's backup."
But his opinion met strong resistance from former India cricketer Suni Joshi, who cautioned the selectors against mixing ODIs and T20Is.
Suni said, "No, I don't think so. We have seen Shivam Dube. He would've been scoring in T20s, but this is an entirely different format and a different tournament. With due respect to Gautam, this is my view. Shivam Dube has struggled with the ball and also in the field."