'Keeping him is a no-brainer' - Abhinav Mukund urges CSK to retain Shivam Dube

Abhinav Mukund has made a compelling case for Chennai Super Kings to retain Shivam Dube ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The former India opener believes Dube's unique skill set makes him invaluable to the franchise, particularly given the balance he brings to the middle order and his ability to contribute with the ball.

Mukund emphasised that Dube was instrumental in CSK's success during the 2023 season and remains a rare commodity in the franchise's squad composition. The left-handed batter provides a crucial balance against spin bowling in the middle order, while his medium-pace bowling adds depth to CSK's attack on the slow, turning pitches at Chepauk.

"There is a lot of trade talk about Shivam Dube, but I personally would keep him because I feel there is a need for a player of his skillset in this CSK team. He was a key player in their success in 2023 as well and he gives CSK a rare balance of a left-handed batter in the middle order who can take down spin, and on top of that, he can bowl a few overs of medium pace when needed. On slow, turning tracks at Chepauk, his bowling becomes even more useful because he hits the deck and gets the ball to grip. He is also a proven performer in pressure situations, and you need players like him in the squad," said Mukund on JioStar.

"In case the Impact Player rule goes away, then his role in the side will become even more important. If CSK let him go, they will struggle to find a like-for-like replacement at the auction. So, Shivam Dube should stay and for me, keeping him is a no-brainer," he added.

What is the case for trading Urvil Patel?

Mukund also offered strategic advice regarding CSK's squad balance, suggesting that the franchise should consider trading Urvil Patel. The former opener pointed out that CSK already have multiple top-order batting options competing for limited spots in the playing eleven. With Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis and Sarfaraz Khan all in the squad, the competition for middle-order slots has become intense.

"I feel there is an opportunity for CSK to trade a player like Urvil Patel. CSK already have the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis and Sarfaraz Khan in their squad, and if all of these batters are fit, then Urvil sadly doesn't find a place in the side. So, if CSK are investing in all of the above batters as their future, then they should trade Urvil Patel. He is someone who will benefit a team which needs top-order firepower and a wicketkeeper, and that could work very well," said Mukund.

Mukund emphasised that Ayush Mhatre represents the franchise's future and should not be considered for trade. He highlighted Mhatre's role as an opening batter who provides explosive starts at number three. The squad congestion at the top of the order has created a situation where not all talented batters can find regular playing time.

"Ayush Mhatre is not a tradable option. He's the next big thing for CSK, bats at number three, opens the batting, and gives them an explosive start. Right now, they have too many top-order batters. Everyone wants to bat in the top four, and that is a problem. So why not release Urvil and keep Sarfaraz as your backup? It would give CSK a more settled squad and give Urvil the game time he deserves," said Mukund.

How will Zaheer Khan shape CSK's overseas strategy?

Ex-Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra also discussed the strategic implications on JioStar's 'Game Plan' of CSK's overseas player combination under new head coach Zaheer Khan. The franchise's approach to overseas recruitment has shifted significantly from the Stephen Fleming era, creating new opportunities and challenges in squad construction.

"Zaheer Khan is now the man in charge of CSK, and his way of thinking is very different from that of Stephen Fleming, so that combination of four overseas players becomes interesting as well. If Noor Ahmad is not going away and does get retained, he gives CSK a quality left-arm wrist spinner who can pick up wickets in the middle overs. There is also Akeal Hosein who can give them overs with the new ball. So that makes it two foreigners. If Overton is fit, he will be a starter too," said Chopra in the above mentioned source.

"Dewald Brevis is obviously there as an investment, and he is an automatic pick in the playing XI. He walks into it directly. So, with four overseas players in the mix, it is important to have an idea of your overseas combination, because not a lot of talent is going to come to the auction table. That is the story of every mini auction. So, you should do as much trading as you can, but how much you can do depends on what you can offer in return," he concluded.