The countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 has already begun, and discussions around India’s final squad have gripped both fans and former cricketers. While names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya dominate the conversation, it is the likely omission of Shreyas Iyer that has raised eyebrows. Once considered India’s most reliable middle-order batter in limited-overs cricket, Iyer’s potential exclusion has left a former India star visibly rattled, prompting him to declare, “No Indian player was better than him in this role.”
Shreyas Iyer’s Rise in Indian Cricket
Shreyas Iyer first broke into the Indian side as a promising young talent known for his calm temperament and ability to anchor the innings under pressure. His technique against spin, coupled with his natural flair to accelerate in the death overs, made him a perfect fit for the No. 4 position—a slot that India had long struggled to fill.
In major tournaments, especially during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Iyer played crucial knocks that steadied the innings after early wickets. His balance of caution and aggression made him a dependable name in India’s batting order, and his consistency in run-making earned him comparisons with some of the finest middle-order batters India has ever produced.
Why The Snub?
Despite his proven credentials, reports suggest that Iyer might not find a place in the Asia Cup 2025 squad. The reasons being speculated are:
- Injury Concerns: Iyer has had recurring fitness issues, particularly with his back, which has affected his availability for extended tours.
- Emergence of Youngsters: The likes of Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma have performed well, adding to the competition for middle-order slots.
- Team Balance: With all-rounders and finishers being prioritized, selectors may be tilting towards flexibility rather than pure batting depth.
These factors combined seem to have tilted the scales against Iyer, at least for the Asia Cup.
Former India Star Speaks Out
The reports of Iyer’s exclusion did not sit well with a former India cricketer, who expressed frustration over the selectors’ decision. In his words, “No Indian player was better than Shreyas Iyer at No. 4. He has rescued the team time and again, and his ability to soak pressure is unmatched. Dropping him is a big mistake.”
Such strong reactions highlight the sentiment many fans share—believing that experience should not be easily overlooked in favor of experimentation, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the Asia Cup.
Fan Reactions: Division and Debate
The news of Iyer’s possible snub has triggered mixed reactions on social media. While some argue that the team must look ahead and back in-form youngsters, others feel that a player of Iyer’s caliber deserves a longer rope. One section of fans stressed that India’s middle-order could become unstable without him, while others highlighted his recent dip in strike rate as justification for the selectors’ move.
What’s Next For Iyer?
Though the Asia Cup may not feature him, all hope is not lost for Shreyas Iyer. With the 2025 Champions Trophy and the next World Cup cycle around the corner, a strong domestic season or a standout IPL campaign could well put him back in the reckoning.
The uncertainty around Shreyas Iyer’s place has once again brought to light the fine balance between form, fitness, and team strategy in Indian cricket. While selectors are focused on building a squad for the future, the exclusion of a proven match-winner like Iyer has left experts and fans questioning the wisdom behind the move.
As one ex-India star rightly summed it up: “You can experiment with youngsters, but you should never forget the ones who have delivered in the past.”