Surprise Snub: Shreyas Iyer Excluded from Asia Cup Squad Sparks Backlash

Despite a stellar IPL season and consistent international performances, Shreyas Iyer finds himself notably absent from India’s 15-man Asia Cup 2025 squad — and not even on the reserve list. His omission has triggered widespread outrage among cricketing figures and fans, particularly raising concerns over the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

Strong Form, Surprising Exclusion

Iyer led Punjab Kings to the IPL final with 604 runs, showcasing top-tier T20 form. Yet, his exclusion — along with Yashasvi Jaiswal — from both the main squad and reserves has left fans and experts bewildered, calling it a glaring oversight.

Criticism from Cricketing Voices

Former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar didn’t mince words, saying, “Maybe Shreyas Iyer is not liked as much as someone else.” Ravichandran Ashwin added to the chorus of criticism, lamenting the decision as “sad” and “unfair,” and urging selectors to justify their reasoning clearly.

Selection Committee’s Defense

Ajit Agarkar, head of selectors, maintained that the omission was not due to any shortcoming on Iyer’s part. “There’s no fault of his — nor is it ours,” was his line, suggesting it came down to balancing a tight 15-player squad. Nonetheless, the lack of clarity continues to fuel speculation.

Indian Context & Tier-2 Impact

For cricket fans in smaller cities, where access to inside information is limited, such controversies become a lens into broader concerns over meritocracy. When a top-performing player is overlooked without clear explanation, it undercuts trust in the system — especially in regions that look to selection decisions for inspiration and fairness.

Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s absence from the Asia Cup squad has become more than a selection shock — it’s a lightning rod for debate on favoritism, fairness, and the opacity of decision-making in Indian cricket. Unless the BCCI steps forward with clearer reasoning, doubts are likely to linger.