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STUMP VISION SEPTEMBER 05, 2025 | The Indian Eye 48

Shreyas Iyer’s Shock Omission:

The Curious Case of India’s In-Form

Batter Left Out of Asia Cup

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

hen the Board of Control for Cricket in
India (BCCI) announced its Asia Cup
Wsquad 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-commenta-
tor 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 opportu-
nity to represent India. “Shreyas Iyer not making
India’s T20 squad for the Asia Cup is just shock-
ing. 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 un-
derline his case. In the Champions Trophy earlier
this year, he was India’s highest run-getter, amass-
ing 243 runs in five games at an average of near-
ly 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 Shreyas Iyer was one of the top performers in IPL this year (ANI)
wasn’t enough, his IPL 2025 campaign was noth-
ing short of sensational. Leading Punjab Kings de Villiers said. He speculated that factors beyond translated into match-winning performances. That
(PBKS) to their first finals in a decade, Iyer scored cricketing ability, such as team dynamics or lead- is perhaps why his omission feels like such a bitter
604 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate ership balance, might have played a role. “When I pill to swallow. Social media has been abuzz with
of 175. His tally included six half-centuries, with a captained, I always looked at whether a player add- frustration, with many terming the decision “un-
highest score of 97 not out. ed value off the field as well. Maybe the selectors just” and “short-sighted,” especially given the im-
For a batter who has also notched up nearly felt there are too many leaders, or that he might portance of the Asia Cup as a prelude to the World
950 T20I runs since India’s last World Cup victory, clash with others. But purely on cricketing merit, Cup later this year.
including a blistering 130 not out and seven fifties, he is a must-pick.” While the selectors have kept their cards close
his exclusion raises more questions than answers. Closer home, Mumbai teammate and Indian to the chest, the move has inevitably fueled specu-
His strike rate of close to 180 and average hovering bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur took a dip- lation. Is it about fitness, despite no official word?
around 50 are statistics any modern-day T20 team lomatic stance but acknowledged the disappoint- Is it a question of team combination? Or is it, as de
would crave. ment around Iyer’s absence. “It is the selectors’ de- Villiers hinted, about dressing-room dynamics and
Adding to the chorus of surprise was AB de cision, so I cannot comment on that. But Shreyas leadership balance?
Villiers, one of the most respected voices in world is very strong. Whenever he plays next, I am sure Whatever the reason, the episode highlights
cricket. On his YouTube channel, the former he will give a very good performance,” Thakur said the precarious nature of modern-day cricket,
South African captain praised Iyer’s “maturity” on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Mumbai where even proven performers can find themselves
and “leadership qualities” while admitting his Cricket Association’s Sharad Pawar Museum at on the sidelines. For Iyer, though, the challenge
confusion. “Who knows what is going on behind Wankhede Stadium. is clear: to stay motivated, keep scoring runs, and
closed doors? Maybe not even Shreyas knows. It is For fans, his story has been an inspiring one— ensure that selectors cannot ignore him for long.
weird that a quality player like him is not making an example of talent harnessed through hard work, With India’s packed calendar ahead, his chance to
the squad, especially after the season he has had,” setbacks turned into opportunities, and potential don the blue jersey again may not be too far.

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