Despite stellar performances across formats and a breakthrough IPL season, Shreyas Iyer’s absence from the Asia Cup squad has left fans and legends of the game baffled
Our Bureau
Mumbai
When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its Asia Cup squad earlier this week, all eyes turned to the glaring absence of one name: Shreyas Iyer. The 30-year-old batter, who has been in scintillating form for India and in domestic leagues, was left out of the team, a decision that has sparked debate among fans, former cricketers, and international stars alike.
Former Indian batter-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar described Iyer’s omission as “shocking,” pointing out the irony of a player working his way back into form, excelling on every major stage, and then being denied the opportunity to represent India. “Shreyas Iyer not making India’s T20 squad for the Asia Cup is just shocking. This is a guy who was left out earlier because of concerns around his commitment to domestic cricket. But when he returned, his form spoke for itself,” Manjrekar said on social media.
Indeed, Iyer’s numbers across formats underline his case. In the Champions Trophy earlier this year, he was India’s highest run-getter, amassing 243 runs in five games at an average of nearly 49. His consistency—two half-centuries and a match-winning 79—played a pivotal role in helping India secure back-to-back white-ball titles. If that wasn’t enough, his IPL 2025 campaign was nothing short of sensational. Leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) to their first finals in a decade, Iyer scored 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175. His tally included six half-centuries, with a highest score of 97 not out.
For a batter who has also notched up nearly 950 T20I runs since India’s last World Cup victory, including a blistering 130 not out and seven fifties, his exclusion raises more questions than answers. His strike rate of close to 180 and average hovering around 50 are statistics any modern-day T20 team would crave.
Adding to the chorus of surprise was AB de Villiers, one of the most respected voices in world cricket. On his YouTube channel, the former South African captain praised Iyer’s “maturity” and “leadership qualities” while admitting his confusion. “Who knows what is going on behind closed doors? Maybe not even Shreyas knows. It is weird that a quality player like him is not making the squad, especially after the season he has had,” de Villiers said. He speculated that factors beyond cricketing ability, such as team dynamics or leadership balance, might have played a role. “When I captained, I always looked at whether a player added value off the field as well. Maybe the selectors felt there are too many leaders, or that he might clash with others. But purely on cricketing merit, he is a must-pick.”
Closer home, Mumbai teammate and Indian bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur took a diplomatic stance but acknowledged the disappointment around Iyer’s absence. “It is the selectors’ decision, so I cannot comment on that. But Shreyas is very strong. Whenever he plays next, I am sure he will give a very good performance,” Thakur said on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Sharad Pawar Museum at Wankhede Stadium.
For fans, his story has been an inspiring one—an example of talent harnessed through hard work, setbacks turned into opportunities, and potential translated into match-winning performances. That is perhaps why his omission feels like such a bitter pill to swallow. Social media has been abuzz with frustration, with many terming the decision “unjust” and “short-sighted,” especially given the importance of the Asia Cup as a prelude to the World Cup later this year.
While the selectors have kept their cards close to the chest, the move has inevitably fueled speculation. Is it about fitness, despite no official word? Is it a question of team combination? Or is it, as de Villiers hinted, about dressing-room dynamics and leadership balance?
Whatever the reason, the episode highlights the precarious nature of modern-day cricket, where even proven performers can find themselves on the sidelines. For Iyer, though, the challenge is clear: to stay motivated, keep scoring runs, and ensure that selectors cannot ignore him for long. With India’s packed calendar ahead, his chance to don the blue jersey again may not be too far.
