“It does not make a lot of sense to me” - Ex-Indian cricketer slams Indian team management for demoting Shivam Dube to No. 8 in 2nd T20I vs SA

An ex-Indian cricketer slammed the team management's decision to demote power-hitter Shivam Dube to No. 8 in the 2nd T20I vs SA chase, calling it illogical. The move followed the failed promotion of Axar Patel to No. 3, which disrupted the middle-order and contributed to India's 51-run loss.

12 Dec 2025 14:50 IST

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Former Indian opener and commentator Aakash Chopra has lashed out at the Indian team management, headed by Gautam Gambhir, for sending the all-rounder Axar Patel up the order at No.3 in a huge chase in the second T20I against South Africa in Chandigarh.

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Speaking exclusively on ESPNCricinfo, Chopra felt that Axar, who came in at No.3 and could score only 21 runs off 21 balls, failed to live up to the expectations. On the other hand, batting all-rounder Shivam Dube was demoted to No. 8, which didn’t go down well with the former cricketer.

"It does not make a lot of sense to me. If you are chasing 213, you really need to start strongly and just keep hitting. In the end, he (Axar) ended up playing 21 balls. By the time Shivam Dube came out to bat, there were only 13 balls left. Dube at No. 8, that's not right. It should have been Axar there, Dube promoted. Not at three, but should not be batting at No. 8 for sure,” Chopra told ESPNCricinfo.

Furthermore, the former Indian cricketer also revealed the game-changing moment, stating that India's bowlers leaking 49 runs in the last three overs of the first innings turned the game’s complexion towards South Africa.

At the end of the 17th over, South Africa was at 164/4. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh leaked a total of 49 runs in the last three overs, which turned the game upside down as South Africa posted a dominating total of 213/4 in 20 overs. In the chase, India could score only 162 runs in 19.1 overs as they suffered a 51-run defeat.

"Difficult to pick one, but India leaking 49 in the last three courtesy a lot of full tosses - I think as many as 13 full tosses. Also, [there were] 16 wides. I think that took the total to 213. Again, it can be chased down, provided you get a good start. That did not happen either,” he concluded.

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