The controversy over Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad shows no signs of cooling down. Not only did the stylish middle order batter fail to find a place in the 15 member squad, but his absence even from the reserves list has left fans and former cricketers baffled and his father, Santosh Iyer, absolutely livid.
While supporters vented their anger on social media, it was India’s former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar who lit the spark, indirectly questioning chief selector Ajit Agarkar. “If Iyer is that good, how can he not even be among the five standby players?” Nayar asked, echoing the thoughts of many who see Iyer as one of India’s most reliable options in crunch T20 situations.
A Father’s Anguish
Shreyas has so far chosen silence, refraining from making any public comment. But his father made his feelings crystal clear. Speaking with raw emotion, Santosh Iyer expressed his disbelief at the board’s decision, questioning what more his son needs to do to force a comeback into India’s T20I setup. His frustration reflected not just a father’s pride, but also the sentiment of countless fans who feel Iyer has been unfairly overlooked.
The Bigger Picture
To put things into perspective, Shreyas Iyer was not even picked for India’s last T20I assignment a three match series against England in February 2025. His last appearance in India’s T20 colours came way back in December 2023 against Australia. Since then, injuries, inconsistent selection calls, and the team’s push toward younger options have seen him drift further from the national setup, despite strong performances in domestic and franchise cricket.
Unanswered Questions
As India looks ahead to the Asia Cup and beyond, one question continues to haunt selectors and fans alike: What exactly must Shreyas Iyer do to reclaim his spot? For now, the silence from the batter himself contrasts sharply with the storm brewing around him one that his father’s blunt words have only intensified.
