India all-rounder Shivam Dube has once again found himself under the scanner after a string of underwhelming performances, with former India captain Kris Srikkanth making a bold prediction about his future. While Dube has played a significant role in India’s recent T20 successes, Srikkanth believes the left-handed all-rounder has virtually no chance of earning a place in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup if the team’s preferred all-rounders remain fit.
The comments come at a time when Dube is facing increasing criticism over his batting consistency, fielding lapses and overall impact in overseas conditions. Despite being a proven performer in T20 cricket, questions continue to be raised over whether he possesses the qualities required to become a long-term option in the 50-over format.
Shivam Dube faces growing criticism over ODI future
Dube’s international career has been a story of contrasting fortunes. On one hand, he has been part of India’s triumphant campaigns in the 2024 and 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and also contributed to the team’s Asia Cup success. His finishing ability against spin and clean ball-striking have often made him a valuable asset in the shortest format.
However, his recent outings during India’s tours of Ireland and England have highlighted some recurring concerns. On lively pitches offering bounce and seam movement, Dube struggled to impose himself with the bat, managing only modest returns in the England T20I series. His discomfort against quality pace bowling has once again become a talking point among former cricketers and fans.
His fielding has also drawn criticism after costly dropped catches in recent matches, while his medium-pace bowling has failed to convince many experts that he can consistently deliver as a genuine all-round option at the highest level. Those shortcomings have only intensified the debate surrounding his role in India’s white-ball plans.
Here’s why Kris Srikkanth rules Dube out of ODI World Cup plans
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth stated that Dube’s presence around the Indian squad is largely due to fitness concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy rather than his own performances.
“Don’t give chances to too many players though. For example, Shivam Dube has no chance of playing in the 2027 World Cup. But he is there only because Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy are injury prone,” Srikkanth said.
The former opener also took a humorous dig at Dube’s fielding after the all-rounder dropped Joe Root during the first ODI against England.
“Dube bowled well in this match and if he had held on to Root’s catch, England wouldn’t have even scored 150. He has a rule that he has to drop at least one catch per match. He won’t get sleep if he doesn’t drop at least one catch in a match. Likewise, we also won’t sleep and have anything to talk about if he doesn’t drop a catch. It’ll not just rain but snow in Chennai if Dube doesn’t drop a catch,” he joked.
While Srikkanth acknowledged Dube’s useful bowling spell, he made it clear that improved performances alone may not be enough to alter India’s long-term plans unless he becomes significantly more consistent. With Hardik Pandya firmly established as India’s premier pace-bowling all-rounder in white-ball cricket and Nitish Kumar Reddy emerging as another trusted option, competition for the all-rounder’s spot is becoming increasingly fierce. Dube’s recent performances have done little to strengthen his case, and the growing criticism from former players reflects the challenge ahead.
