Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about India’s sixth bowling option following Shivam Dube’s expensive spell against the Zimbabwe national cricket team in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Although India national cricket team secured a convincing win, Chopra believes the lack of a reliable sixth bowler could become a major concern ahead of their crucial Super 8 clash against the West Indies cricket team.
India’s batting lineup delivered a dominant performance in Chennai, posting a massive total of 254 runs. However, the bowling effort lacked the same level of control. Zimbabwe managed to recover from an early setback, largely thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 97 from Brian Bennett. The visitors eventually finished on 184/6, exposing a few bowling weaknesses that stronger opponents could potentially exploit.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra explained that India cannot afford uncertainty with their sixth bowler, especially with the powerful West Indies batting lineup waiting in the next match.
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“Shivam Dube has conceded 113 runs in seven overs in the last three games,” Aakash Chopra pointed out. “He gave away 46 runs in two overs in this match, 32 runs in two overs in the previous game, and 35 runs in three overs before that. The issue is that he is needed as the sixth bowler.”
Chopra also highlighted that part-time options like Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma are unlikely to provide reliable overs in pressure situations.
“Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma’s bowling won’t really work here,” he said. “If Shivam Dube continues to be this expensive, it becomes a real problem. It means the team has to rely heavily on just five bowlers, and if one of them has a bad day, the balance falls apart.”
India’s frontline pace attack still delivered solid numbers. The main pacers conceded only 66 runs across their 10 overs while claiming three wickets. However, once the support bowlers entered the attack, Zimbabwe started to regain momentum.
Dube’s outing proved particularly difficult. He conceded 46 runs in just two overs, including two no-balls and four wides that allowed Zimbabwe to accelerate late in the innings. One moment summed up his struggles when he attempted to bowl wide deliveries outside off stump to Bennett but ended up sending multiple wides before delivering a no-ball that landed outside the pitch.
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Despite the tough spell, India still relied on Dube in the closing stages of the innings. While the match result was never truly under threat, the decision highlighted how much the team depends on him as their sixth bowling option.
With a virtual knockout match against West Indies approaching, India’s batting looks in strong shape. However, tightening their bowling balance — particularly the sixth bowler’s role — could prove crucial in determining their path to the semi-finals.
