Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes India went into the first T20I against Zimbabwe without a genuine sixth bowling option, with Shivam Dube effectively serving as the fifth bowler in an attack built around pace. Chopra said the team management showed clear intent by backing a thin bowling combination, and the result was a dominant seven-wicket win in Harare that gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

India restricted Zimbabwe to 125/7 after choosing to field first on Thursday, July 23, before chasing down the target with 40 balls to spare. While the result was comfortable, Chopra felt the bigger talking point was India’s selection strategy. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he noted that Shreyas Iyer’s side went into the game with only four frontline bowlers in Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi. Shivam Dube, he said, was effectively the fifth option, and there was no designated sixth bowler in the XI.

“When the Indian team was selected, only four bowlers were there – Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi. Who was the fifth? Shivam Dube. Who was the sixth? No one. India made up their mind to play without a sixth bowler,” Aakash Chopra said.

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According to Chopra, the decision also showed how much faith India have placed in Dube’s ability to contribute with the ball. The all-rounder returned figures of 1/32 in four overs and struck early by removing Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, who substitute Suryansh Shedge caught at deep midwicket. Chopra felt that Dube’s four-over spell was an encouraging sign, especially for a player who is expected to provide balance in a largely youthful XI.

“Shivam Dube gave only 32 runs in four overs, and he gets a wicket in his first over these days. A catch was taken in the deep. He being made to bowl four overs and going with only four bowlers means India is investing a lot of faith in Shivam Dube. I think that’s a massive thing,” he observed.

Chopra also highlighted India’s decision to go with three express pacers in Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma and Prince Yadav. In his view, the selection was almost a warning shot to Zimbabwe, with India making their intent clear from the outset.

“India decided that they would go with all-out pace, that both Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma would play, and that Prince Yadav would also play. It was like threatening them. India started brilliantly with pace,” he said.

The former cricketer was especially impressed with the intensity shown by Mayank and Ashok, both of whom consistently pushed close to 150 kph. He also praised Prince Yadav for showing greater control and versatility across different phases of the innings.

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“It felt good to see Mayank. He has made it back to the team after a long time, and he was not letting up. He was trying to go close to 150 kph consistently. Ashok Sharma, same thing. It’s not like he was not hit, but went going, and it was heartening to see,” Aakash Chopra observed. “Prince Yadav is also growing in confidence. He has a slightly better ability to bowl in different phases of the game as compared to Mayank and Ashok Sharma, and that was also on display,” he stated.

Mayank Yadav finished as India’s standout bowler with 2/18 in four overs, while Prince Yadav matched him with 2/19. Debutant Ashok Sharma went wicketless but still contributed by maintaining pressure in a pace-heavy attack that set the tone for India’s victory.