Asia Cup 2025: 'The Third Seamer Could Be a Challenge' – Former cricketer on India’s bowling plan ahead of IND vs PAK clash

Former Indian opener Sadagopan Ramesh has raised doubts over India’s decision to field Shivam Dube as their third seam-bowling option after a dominant nine-wicket victory against the UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener. In an attempt to extend batting depth till No. 8, India played only three specialist bowlers, with Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Dube taking the all-rounder spots.

Despite the reduced attack, India’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance, bundling out the UAE for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs. Dube also chipped in with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3/4 from his two overs, though he was used as the sixth option in the attack.

However, Ramesh downplayed his impact against a lower-ranked opposition, stressing that such a strategy may not hold up against stronger sides in the tournament.

Ramesh Highlights Concerns Over Dube’s Role

“There was a time when Hardik Pandya was our third seamer in T20s. Now, if Shivam Dube is your third seamer, the graph is heading down there itself. Yes, he bowled well yesterday but it was against a side anyone can bowl well against,” Ramesh said on his YouTube channel.

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He further added, “Going forward, against decent sides, this could become a challenge. They are preferring Shivam Dube over Rinku Singh only because of the bowling and the third seaming option. It is clear that the management has consistently shown faith in Shivam Dube. It's a good thing but it remains to be seen if he repays the trust.”

So far, Dube has bowled nearly 50 overs in his T20I career, taking 16 wickets at an average of 28.06 with an economy rate of 9.07, numbers that underline the risk of relying on him as a frontline option.