BCCI announced India’s 15-member Asia Cup squad. Led by Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, it featured stars like Jasprit Bumrah. But one name was missing: Shreyas Iyer. His exclusion sparked heated debate. Iyer’s red-hot form made him a sure pick. So why was he left out—not just from the squad but also the reserves? Was it strategy, a new selection philosophy, or something deeper? Let’s break down the curious case of Shreyas Iyer.
Iyer’s Case for Inclusion: A Stellar Record
Shreyas Iyer was in top form. His 2025 IPL season was a masterclass. He smashed 604 runs in 17 matches for Punjab Kings. His average? A stunning 50.33. His strike rate? A blazing 175.07. Iyer led Punjab to their first IPL final since 2014. His 87 off 41 balls in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians sealed a 204-run chase. It showed his big-match nerve.
In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Iyer shone again. He was India’s top run-scorer with 243 runs in five matches. His average was 48.60. Rohit Sharma called him the “silent hero.” Iyer’s partnerships in the semi-final and a 61-run stand in the final against New Zealand clinched the title. His T20I record is solid too: 1,104 runs in 51 matches, with a 136.13 strike rate. In his last T20I in 2023, he hit 53 off 37 to win against Australia.
Iyer also silenced critics about his short-ball weakness. He tweaked his stance and used the crease better. In IPL 2025, he handled pacers like Bumrah and Rabada with ease. His form was undeniable. So why was he snubbed?
The Selectors’ Stance: Strategy Over Merit?
Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar faced tough questions. His response? “It’s not Shreyas’s fault, nor ours. You can only pick 15.” This wasn’t about poor form. It was a strategic choice. The squad was built for specific roles. Iyer didn’t fit the template. He wasn’t even named a reserve, a move that stunned analysts.
Aakash Chopra called it “baffling.” Abhishek Nayar said it made no sense. A BCCI source claimed, “A star like Shreyas can’t be a reserve—he plays in the XI or not at all.” But this felt like a weak excuse. The message was clear: Iyer wasn’t in the T20I plans.
Voices of Dissent: Cricket Fraternity Reacts
The cricket world erupted. Former selector Kris Srikkanth called the decision “nonsense.” Iyer was an “automatic choice,” he said. Harbhajan Singh and Robin Uthappa labeled it “strange.” Ravichandran Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, asked, “What wrong has Shreyas done?” He highlighted Iyer’s leadership: KKR’s 2024 IPL title and Punjab’s 2025 final. Even Iyer’s father, Santosh, spoke out: “What else does Shreyas need to do?” The outcry showed a gap between the selectors and the fans.
The Chosen Middle Order: Specialists Over Stars
Who took Iyer’s spot? Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma. They reflect a new T20 approach. Dube is a spin-hitting beast in the middle overs. Rinku is a clutch finisher, thriving in death overs. Varma, a left-hander, brings explosive versatility. The selectors wanted role-specific players, not all-round batters like Iyer.
Here’s how they stack up in IPL 2025 and T20I careers:
- Shreyas Iyer: 604 runs, 50.33 avg, 175.07 SR (IPL 2025); 1,104 runs, 30.67 avg, 136.13 SR (T20I career).
- Shivam Dube: 418 runs, 30.48 avg, 158.33 SR (IPL proxy); 531 runs, 31.24 avg, 140.11 SR (T20I).
- Rinku Singh: 285 runs, 28.50 avg, 140.00 SR (IPL 2025); 546 runs, 42.00 avg, 161.06 SR (T20I).
- Tilak Varma: 416 runs, 42.88 avg, 164.11 SR (IPL proxy); 749 runs, 49.93 avg, 155.07 SR (T20I).
Iyer’s IPL numbers outshine them. But Rinku and Varma’s T20I strike rates fit the aggressive mold. The selectors prioritized impact over consistency.
The New Blueprint: Gambhir and Agarkar’s Vision
Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir are reshaping India’s T20I team. Agarkar, selector since 2023, has overseen two ICC titles. His bold moves include phasing out Kohli and Sharma from T20Is. Gambhir, head coach since 2024, wants an IPL-style team. His rules? Pick players for specific roles. Focus on high-impact moments. Value all-rounders and specialists.
Dube hits spin. Rinku finishes games. Varma explodes early. Iyer, a versatile anchor, doesn’t fit this mold. Gambhir wasn’t at the selection meeting, but his philosophy shaped it. Agarkar executed the final call, choosing players aligned with this aggressive vision.
The Timeline: Iyer’s Rise and Fall
- March 2025: Iyer stars in the Champions Trophy, earning Rohit’s praise as the “silent hero.”
- April–June 2025: He dominates IPL, scoring 604 runs and leading Punjab to the final.
- Rumors: Whispers suggest Rohit pushed for Iyer in ODIs, but T20I bosses were less convinced.
- August 19, 2025: Iyer’s excluded from the Asia Cup squad and reserves, shocking fans.
The aftermath? Confusion and anger. Iyer’s form screamed inclusion. Yet, the new T20I vision sidelined him.
Conclusion: A Clash of Merit and Strategy
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion wasn’t about form or fitness. His IPL and Champions Trophy heroics were world-class. It wasn’t personal either—Gambhir and Agarkar aren’t “against” him. It’s about a new T20I blueprint. India wants specialists, not versatile stars. Iyer, a classical batter, got caught in this shift.
This decision raises big questions. Is it fair to drop a player in peak form? Does the IPL matter if it doesn’t guarantee selection? Iyer’s case is a turning point for Indian cricket. It pits individual brilliance against team strategy. Fans are left wondering: What does it take to wear the Indian jersey?
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