Asia Cup 2025: Former India spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Shreyas Iyer to make T20I comeback after 20 months’ absence. Iyer was phenomenal as Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and his ability to counter spinners makes him a favourite to get picked in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 squad. Ashwin believes that if Iyer walks in, all-rounder Shivam Dube won’t have a place in the squad.
"Shreyas at 3. Surya and Tilak can float. Surya and Tilak can change between 4 and 5. If you are bringing Shreyas Iyer on the scheme of things, then Shivam Dube doesn't have a place. He doesn't have a place. He can be a backup position. Which we can discuss. Because if Shreyas Iyer, Surya and Tilak, if they form your top 5, then it is 6 and 7. 6 and 7 is a block. Akshar Patel and Hardik Pandya. There is no debate in that," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, 'Ash Ki Baat'.
Dube’s strike rate dips in IPL 2025
32-year-old Dube played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. He did not have a good run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, scoring 357 runs from 14 games at an average of 32.45, including a solitary fifty. His strike rate dropped to 132.22 from 162.29 in the IPL 2024 seasons.
Dube’s T20I record
So far, Dube has played 35 T20Is and scored 531 runs from 26 innings at an average of 31.23 and strike rate of 140.10. He has four fifties in the T20I arena. With the ball, he has 13 wickets at an average of 34.23. But, his economy rate is over nine runs per over.
Iyer’s big strike rate jump
Meanwhile, Iyer scored 604 runs from 17 innings at an average of 50.33, including six half-centuries. His strike rate in the season was 175.07, highest in IPL career.
Ashwin picks back-up wicketkeeper
With Sanju Samson opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, Ashwin sees Jitesh Sharma as the back-up wicketkeeper as Rishabh Pant may not be picked in the squad due to his ankle injury.
"We have sent Sanju up (the order). So, we will have to discuss who is the backup keeper. There are many candidates for backup keeper. Last time, Dhruv Jhurel was there. KL Rahul is there. Rishabh Pant, I am not sure if he is recovered.
“But on one hand, the real person that I think is going to walk into this Indian team is Jitesh Sharma. As per his IPL, and the way he batted, and he can play the role of a finisher. If Jitesh Sharma is your backup keeper, then Shivam Dube goes out of the window.
“Shivam Dube cannot come. If Jitesh Sharma is going to be a part of it, Shivam Dube is out. Shivam Dube cannot come in.
“Because Jitesh Sharma will take care of finishing. Which means, Jitesh Sharma becomes your backup wicket-keeper. Which is your 15th slot," Ashwin added.
Jitesh scored 261 runs from 11 innings at an average of 37.28 in IPL 2025 in his maiden season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His strike rate is 176.35. His best of 85 not out came in a high-scoring successful run chase against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).