West Indies levelled the five-match T20I series 1-1 after defeating India by 6 wickets in the 2nd T20I at Ranchi on October 9, 2026. Chasing India’s 249/5, West Indies reached 252/4 in just 18.3 overs, with Shai Hope scoring an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls and Sherfane Rutherford contributing 84 off 37 balls.
The result has prompted debate around India’s all-rounder options, particularly the role of Shivam Dube. Former India pacer Varun Aaron offered a pointed assessment of Dube’s standing in the side and what is expected of him going forward.
“Look, I think India should go past managing Shivam Dube because he has played for a long time for India. He’s gotten a long rope when it comes to his bowling, so he has to step up his bowling at this point. The Indian team has shown a lot of belief in him. Yes, he bowled a great first spell in that Asia Cup. That was a long time ago, but he has to keep continuing to evolve because, In T20Is, he’s India’s No. 1 all-rounder when Hardik Pandya is not playing,” Aaron said on Cricinfo.
What do Shivam Dube’s T20I numbers say about his all-rounder credentials?
Shivam Dube has appeared in 81 T20Is for India, during which he has taken 40 wickets at an average of 27.15 and an economy rate of 9.96, with a best return of 3-4. Those bowling figures underline the concern Aaron raised, as an economy rate close to 10 in the shortest format places additional pressure on the batting unit to compensate.
Aaron’s broader point is that Dube’s value to India is not in question, but that his bowling must become more reliable if he is to fulfil the all-rounder role effectively. The Indian team has persisted with Dube across a significant number of matches, and Aaron believes that extended backing now demands a higher level of contribution with the ball.
Could Nitish Kumar Reddy feature in the remaining T20Is against West Indies?
With the series level at 1-1 and three matches remaining, beginning with the 3rd T20I at Holkar Stadium, Indore on October 11, 2026, Aaron also addressed the possibility of Nitish Kumar Reddy entering the playing XI. Reddy has appeared in 7 T20Is, scoring 91 runs at a strike rate of 168.51 and taking 9 wickets with a best of 3-24, figures that reflect his potential as a genuine two-way contributor. Aaron outlined his thinking on Reddy’s involvement and India’s likely approach to the remaining games:
“Reddy definitely has to feature. I think India’s waiting to go 2-1 in the series to play Reddy so they have their assurance that they just have to win one game to close the series. Reddy could feature in the last two T20Is, that’s how I look at it. I would want India to go with the same playing XI. Maybe think about horses for courses depending on the wicket change. Prince Yadav could be in the conversation if you were to go that way,” he said.
