IND vs BAN: Gautam Gambhir's experiment to send Shivam Dube at No. 3 backfires, all-rounder falls cheaply for 2

Shivam Dube batted at number 3 against Bangladesh. (Photo: X/SonyLiv)

India’s Asia Cup Super Four match against Bangladesh saw a surprising tactical move when Gautam Gambhir pushed Shivam Dube up the order to bat at No. 3. The decision, however, did not go as planned, with the all-rounder departing after scoring just 2 runs.

Dube, usually known for his role as a lower-middle order finisher, was promoted to give him a chance to face more deliveries and possibly anchor the innings. But Bangladesh’s bowlers kept things tight, and the experiment failed to yield the desired impact.

Also Read | 'We will see kya hai, kya nahi': Shaheen Afridi reacts to Suryakumar Yadav's 'India-Pakistan no rivalry' comment

The decision has already stirred conversations among fans and cricket experts. Some feel India should stick to tried-and-tested top-order batters, while others see value in Gambhir’s approach of testing flexibility within the lineup before tougher matches ahead.

Although the move backfired on this occasion, it reflects the management’s intent to broaden batting options and prepare players for multiple roles. For Dube, the challenge now will be to quickly shake off this failure and prove his worth in upcoming games with both bat and ball.

WATCH VIDEO - After Haris Rauf, another Pakistan player spotted mocking Indian fans with '6-0’ signs, video surfaces

Sunil Gavaskar explaining Shivam Dube's promotion on commentary: "To give him some batting time in the middle. In the tournament, we have had Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, even Samson. Normally when a right-hander gets out, right-hander comes in. But unfortunately he failed to capitalise on the opportunity."