'Shivam Dube has been a big letdown': Subramaniam Badrinath slams CSK star for back-to-back flop shows in IPL 2026

Former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has expressed concern regarding Chennai Super Kings’ batting all-rounder Shivam Dube, suggesting that opposing bowlers appear to have successfully decoded his playing style. The left-hander has struggled to deliver the high-impact performances expected of him, finding it difficult to find his rhythm throughout the first eight matches of the 2026 IPL season.

Badrinath Raises concerns Over Shivam Dube’s Form

Dube’s statistics underscore this dip in form, as he has managed only 150 runs at an average of 30.00 and a strike rate of 140.18, failing to register a single half-century across his eight innings. His difficulty in clearing the boundary has been particularly noticeable, as he has struck just six sixes in 100 balls. This lack of fluency was especially evident during his recent outing against the Gujarat Titans, where he looked visibly uncomfortable at the crease and struggled to find his power-hitting groove.

"CSK's middle-order middle has been highly concerning. Shivam Dube has been a big letdown. Bowlers are bowling too easily to him. He is getting enough opportunities up the order. CSK is trusting Dube, but he's not able to deliver. Oppositions are working him out with ease, and he has no clue how to combat them,” said Badrinath on his YouTube channel.

Subramaniam Badrinath has voiced his support for wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma, despite the youngster's lackluster start to the 2026 IPL season. As a high-profile acquisition for CSK, purchased for a significant Rs 14.20 crore, Sharma has yet to live up to his price tag. Across five innings, he has struggled to gain any momentum, posting a disappointing average of 11.60 and a strike rate of 118.36, leaving him without a significant impact on the team's batting lineup thus far.

Badrinath’s critique extends to the management of fellow marquee signing Prashant Veer, who was also acquired for Rs 14.20 crore. He has raised questions about CSK's strategic handling of the young player, who has been sidelined for six of the first eight matches. Veer's role remains unclear; he has yet to bowl a single delivery of his left-arm spin, and his only meaningful contribution remains a 43-run knock against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. These limited opportunities have led to mounting skepticism regarding how the franchise is utilizing its substantial investment in the youngster.

"We can't question him. The management that signed him for 14.50 crores needs to be questioned, though. In fact, he is a good player if you picked him for 50 Lakhs or one crore. He would have probably performed better also with the lower price," he concluded.

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