'With due respect to Gautam': Ex-chief selector opposes Gambhir's view on Hardik’s backup

India's Asia Cup 2023 roster appears notably robust with the return of injured players including Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized that if all these players are indeed available for selection in the opening match against Pakistan on September 2, it will mark the first instance in the past couple of years that India fields its full-strength lineup in a major tournament. The absence of key players was evident in the previous Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.

3 things you need to know

• The Asia Cup 2023 will be held from August 30 to September 17
• India will play its first match against Pakistan on September 2
• The BCCI unveiled its 18-member squad on Monday, Aug 21

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: India's Predicted Strongest XI Ahead Of Match Against Arch-rivals Pakistan

Gautam Gambhir highlights a major problem in the Asia Cup squad

Gautam Gambhir, former India opener, has highlighted one aspect that warrants attention from the team management - the absence of a reliable backup for seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya. While Shardul Thakur shares some attributes with Pandya, Gambhir contends that he cannot be considered a proper substitute for the quality all-rounder that Pandya is.

In Gambhir's opinion, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar should have given serious thought to including Shivam Dube in the Asia Cup squad. Gambhir stressed that having a backup for Hardik Pandya is crucial, and Shardul Thakur doesn't fulfill that role.

"One name they (the selectors) 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 that. Shardul Thakur cannot be Hardik’s backup," Gambhir said on Star Sports.

Also Read: 'The Player Is Lucky To Be In Asia Cup Side': Australia Great Questions India's Selection

'No, I don't think so': Former selector disagrees with Gambhir

Former Indian cricket team selector, Sunil Joshi, disagreed with Gambhir's assessment as he said that Dube is not yet ready to be included in India's ODI squad. Joshi said that Dube may be scoring runs in the shortest format but ODI is entirely a different ball-game. He further highlighted Dube's recent struggles with the ball and in the field. 

"No, I don't think so. We have seen Shivam Dube. He would've been scoring in T20s but this is entirely 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," he said.

Presently, Shivam Dube is accompanying the India T20I team in Ireland. Although he had limited opportunities in the series opener, he showcased an impressive all-round performance in the second match, contributing 22 runs off 16 balls, including two sixes, and delivering a couple of decent overs with the ball during India's convincing 33-run victory.

Image: PTI/AP