Why Shreyas Iyer Did Not Even Get Chance In Asia Cup Reserve List? BCCI Explains – Report

The announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has created plenty of discussions, not just because of the players who made the cut but also due to those who missed out. Among the most notable omissions is Shreyas Iyer, a consistent name in India’s white-ball setup over the past few years. What has shocked fans even more is that Iyer has not only been excluded from the main squad but was also left out of the reserve list.

A recent report has now shed light on why the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided against including the stylish middle-order batter even as a backup option.

Iyer’s Declining Form Raises Concerns

One of the primary reasons behind Iyer’s exclusion, according to BCCI sources quoted in the report, is his inconsistent form across formats. While once considered a reliable No. 4 option, his recent outings have been below expectations, with repeated failures in crunch matches.

A senior official reportedly said:

“The selectors had long discussions on Iyer. But his recent performances, coupled with injury concerns, didn’t inspire confidence. We needed backup options who can deliver impact instantly.”

Injury Troubles and Fitness Tests

Apart from form, injury and fitness issues appear to have played a key role. Iyer has struggled with recurring back problems in the last two years, leading to missed series and frequent rehab stints at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The BCCI’s medical team, as per the report, was not fully satisfied with his long-term fitness graph. With a packed schedule ahead of the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, selectors were keen to ensure that reserves were fully fit and ready at short notice.

Selectors Banking on New Faces

Interestingly, the reserve list has been stacked with younger and in-form performers, many of whom impressed during IPL 2025 and recent domestic matches. The selectors believe grooming these players as reserves provides them with valuable exposure while giving the team more flexibility.

Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, has not had an impactful IPL season recently, further weakening his case. The BCCI reportedly felt that relying on in-form youngsters would be a safer option than carrying an experienced player who is struggling for rhythm.

Fans Express Disappointment

The decision to keep Iyer completely out of the Asia Cup setup has disappointed many fans. Social media has been flooded with questions like:

• “How can a player of Iyer’s caliber not even be in reserves?”
• “BCCI should have given him one more chance.”

Some former cricketers too have expressed surprise, stating that Iyer’s experience could have been handy in high-pressure games, even if he wasn’t part of the starting XI.

What Lies Ahead for Shreyas Iyer?

While the omission may feel like a setback, experts believe it could serve as a wake-up call for the batter. At 30, Iyer still has years of cricket left, but with India’s middle-order seeing stiff competition, he will have to make a strong comeback through domestic performances or the next IPL season.

For now, BCCI’s message seems clear: form and fitness will be prioritized over reputation.

The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from even the Asia Cup reserve list underscores the BCCI’s intent to back in-form and fully fit players ahead of crucial tournaments. While fans may feel the decision is harsh, selectors believe it is necessary to build a team that can deliver under pressure. Whether Iyer can bounce back and reclaim his spot remains one of the most intriguing storylines in Indian cricket right now.