Image Source:varthabharati
In a shock move that stunned fans and experts alike, Shreyas Iyer was left out of both India’s 15-member Asia Cup 2025 squad and the five-member standby list. This exclusion has sparked a wave of criticism from former India players, with some questioning the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
Ravichandran Ashwin Speaks Up: “Sad” and “Unfair”
Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t mince his words in voicing his disappointment. On his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, he described Iyer’s omission as “sad” and “unfair,” especially given his contributions to the team’s recent successes. Ashwin emphasized:
“Look at the credentials of Shreyas Iyer. He went out of the team. But came in the Champions Trophy and did amazing batting. He won and gave it to you.”
“If the answer is that Shubman Gill is in blasting form, Shreyas Iyer is also in high-quality form… How can you give an answer for this?”
The Times of India
He lamented the emotional toll such decisions take on players and questioned whether anyone even spoke to Iyer about his exclusion.
Highlighting Iyer’s IPL exploits, Ashwin reminded audiences that Iyer had led KKR to the IPL title in 2024, then took Punjab Kings to the 2025 final, showed marked improvement against the short ball, and scored prolifically across tournaments.
Former India Star Joins the Chorus
Joining Ashwin in expressing shock was Mohammad Azharuddin, who took to social media to share his disbelief:
“Shreyas Iyer left out of the squad. Big surprise.”
NDTV Sports
His brief but pointed response captured the sentiment of many who expected Iyer’s place in the squad, given his stellar form.
Broader Criticism from the Cricketing Fraternity
Dinesh Karthik slammed the decision as “a tad bit unfair,” questioning how a player of Iyer’s caliber could be overlooked.
The Times of India
Sadagoppan Ramesh suggested favoritism may have tilted the scales against Iyer, insinuating that head coach Gautam Gambhir favored players he preferred personally.
The Times of India
Robin Uthappa labeled Iyer’s omission as “surprising and strange,” particularly in light of his consistent performance.
Former coach (unnamed) went even further, speculating that Iyer isn’t as well-liked within the selection circle.
What the Selectors Said
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the cut by framing it as a logistical challenge: “With regards to Shreyas, you’ll have to tell who he can replace. It’s no fault of his, nor is it ours. It’s just that at the moment, you can just pick 15. He’ll have to wait for his chance.”
Yet, this explanation has done little to quell the debate. Critics argue that the decision to omit Iyer—even from the reserve list—suggests a deeper shift away from his inclusion in T20 plans.
The Underlying Tensions
Beyond the numbers and form, the controversy appears to center on concerns over selection transparency and favoritism. With Shubman Gill dropped in earlier seasons now reinstated and named vice-captain, pundits like Abhishek Nayar suggest the management is grooming him for a long-term leadership role—potentially at Iyer’s expense.
What This Means for Iyer’s Future
Despite being sidelined, voices like Aakash Chopra offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that Iyer may still be brought in later, potentially even before the tournament begins.
But with both the main and reserve lists finalized, his path back into the T20 setup appears increasingly unclear—unless there is a late change or injury call-up. Critics argue that he deserves at least that much, given his track record.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like Sports
NDTV,
The Times of India, Hindustan Times
Deccan Chronicle, etc.) transparently.]
