Why is Shreyas Iyer not included in the Asia Cup 2025 squad?
Shreyas Iyer who has been having a stellar year since having won the IPL title in 2024 for his previous franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. Since that win, he has been on the 9th cloud, not playing well in the domestic formats, but having also been a dominant player in the earlier title winning campaign for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. So, why is Shreyas Iyer not included in the Asia Cup 2025 squad?
Suggested Topic: India announce squad for Asia Cup 2025
Shreyas Iyer’s Key Achievements
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is a surprising decision given his exceptional T20 form. In IPL 2025, Iyer smashed 604 runs for Punjab Kings at a strike rate of 175.07, the third-best for a batter with 600-plus runs in a single season, trailing only Chris Gayle (2011) and Suryakumar Yadav (2023).
His dominance against spin makes him a prime middle-order asset. Iyer’s leadership credentials are equally impressive, having guided Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title, Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final.
His domestic success includes Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy (2023-24) and Irani Cup triumphs, while he also played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy victory earlier this year. His last T20I, a match-winning 53 against Australia in Bengaluru, showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
Reasons for Iyer’s Omission
Despite his stellar record, Shreyas Iyer was left out of India’s 15-member Asia Cup squad due to the team’s depth and settled batting order. Selector Ajit Agarkar explained, “It’s no fault of his. Got to tell me who he can replace?” The middle order, featuring Tilak Varma at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh, left no room for Iyer.
The selectors prioritized players in current form and specific roles, with all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube further crowding the lineup. Iyer’s exclusion, alongside other talents like Sai Sudharsan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul, underscores India’s vast T20 talent pool, where even a player of Iyer’s caliber struggles to secure a spot in the competitive 15-member squad.
Challenges for Iyer Moving Forward
Shreyas Iyer faces the challenge of breaking back into India’s T20I setup ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. With the Asia Cup (starting September 10, 2025, in the UAE) marking the start of India’s preparations, Iyer’s omission puts him on the sidelines despite his proven track record. To regain his spot, he must continue his explosive form in domestic and franchise cricket, particularly in upcoming tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Facing a stacked middle order, Iyer needs to outperform established players like Tilak Varma and adapt to India’s evolving T20 strategy. His leadership experience and ability to handle spin could be key, but he must wait for an opportunity to displace a current squad member, a daunting task given India’s depth and competition.
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