The announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 sparked heated debates among fans and experts, with one of the biggest talking points being the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer. Despite his recent stellar performances with the bat, Iyer failed to find a place in the team. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has now addressed the issue, putting an end to the growing speculation.
Shreyas Iyer’s Case for Selection
In recent months, Iyer has shown impressive form across formats. His consistency in the middle order, coupled with his ability to accelerate in pressure situations, made many believe he was a certain pick for the Asia Cup. His match-winning knocks in domestic cricket and impactful contributions in the IPL only strengthened the argument that he was ready for a national comeback.
Agarkar’s Clarification
Speaking on the selection dilemma, Agarkar clarified that Iyer’s omission was not a reflection of his ability but rather a matter of balance and team composition.
“There is no question about Shreyas’s talent or his recent form. But when we sat down to pick the squad, the question we asked ourselves was – who can he replace? The batting order is already settled, and to disturb the current balance would have been unfair,” Agarkar said.
He further highlighted that Iyer remains an important part of India’s long-term plans. “He is very much in the selectors’ radar. Just because he isn’t in this squad doesn’t mean he is out of contention. He has a big role to play in the future.”
A Crowded Middle Order
One of the biggest challenges for the selectors has been the abundance of middle-order options. With stalwarts like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav occupying key positions, and youngsters making a strong case, Iyer faced the brunt of competition. The selectors emphasized the need to maintain continuity, especially ahead of a major tournament like the Asia Cup, where team cohesion is crucial.
Fans React Strongly
The decision to leave out Iyer hasn’t gone down well with fans, many of whom took to social media to express disappointment. Some argued that his recent heroics warranted selection, while others felt his absence might cost India depth in the middle order.
The Road Ahead for Iyer
Despite the setback, Agarkar’s comments provide hope for Iyer. With several important series lined up before the World Cup, opportunities are likely to open up. For now, the message from the selectors is clear: the door is not closed, but team balance comes first.
