Shreyas Iyer: Batting on a turning wicket

Despite stellar IPL season, Iyer misses flight to Dubai

Manpreet Bhatia

When the BCCI announced India’s Asia Cup squad on Tuesday, the biggest shock was not who made the cut, but who did not. Shreyas Iyer, fresh off one of the greatest IPL seasons ever, was left out not just from the 15-member squad but also from the five-player reserve list.

Iyer’s Standout IPL Season Ignored

In IPL 2025, Iyer amassed 604 runs at an impressive average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07 while leading Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish. His ability to take on pacers, counter the short ball, and dominate spinners showcased a matured version of his batting. Many analysts believed that his form had all but cemented his place in India’s T20 plans. Instead, his exclusion has left fans and experts baffled.

“What more does Shreyas Iyer have to do?” a senior commentator remarked. “He has proven himself in every format. He scored heavily in the IPL, led his team from the front, and yet he isn’t even in the standby list. This decision is beyond comprehension.”

Selectors’ Surprise Call

While the squad announcement brought cheer for some, including the return of T20 World Cup stars Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, and the promotion of Shubman Gill as vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav, it was Iyer’s absence that stole the spotlight. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar tried to play down the criticism, stating, “It’s no fault of his, nor is it ours.” However, the statement has only added to the sense of ambiguity regarding Iyer’s role in the national team’s future.

Cricket insiders argue that if not in the main squad, Iyer deserved a spot in the reserves. The selectors chose to include Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Prasidh Krishna in the five-member standby list.

Favouritism Allegations Surface

Social media has erupted with fans accusing the selectors of favouritism. Supporters point out how Iyer’s performances in the ICC World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and now the IPL have consistently been overlooked.
One fan wrote: “Every time he performs and peaks, he gets dropped. How long can a player keep proving himself?”

“Feeling sad for Shreyas and his fans. He deserved T20 captaincy in Indian team. Because of Iyer’s consistent performance India won CT. Just because of GG, Iyer got dropped. He is even not in reserve,” wrote another fan.

“It’s clear that BCCI has some issues with him and he won’t be playing for India apart from ODIs…In T20s if he is not being selected after a legendary IPL season and a very good SMAT then he will never be selected, Even Agarkar had no response to why did they not select Iyer,” one Redditor posted.

Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing that a player who has scored over 600 runs in an IPL season with a strike rate among the highest in the tournament deserved recognition, if not a starting role.

What stands out in Iyer’s journey is his resilience. Time and again, despite setbacks and exclusions, he has returned stronger. Weak-minded players would have given up by now, but Shreyas Iyer is made differently. He continues to inspire millions.

Experts believe Iyer’s exclusion reflects poor communication between selectors and players. “The clarity in front of Shreyas’ name is completely missing,” said one analyst. “If he is not part of India’s T20 plans, then at least make it clear to him and the fans.”

Looking Ahead

For now, Iyer will turn his attention to domestic cricket. He is set to represent West Zone in the upcoming Duleep Trophy and is expected to be a crucial figure in India’s ODI assignments later this year. Many believe that consistent ODI performances could pave his way back into the T20 fold ahead of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.

Cricket pundits caution against linking the Asia Cup snub directly to the World Cup. “This is the Asia Cup team. The World Cup is still far away, and there are 15 T20Is before that. The world can change in that time,” one expert noted.

A Message to the Selectors

At the heart of the debate is a simple question: how much more must Shreyas Iyer do to be part of India’s T20 setup? His IPL numbers speak volumes—604 runs, a strike rate of 175, and the ability to lead from the front. His exclusion not only denies him the chance he deserves but also leaves fans questioning the transparency of selection policies.

As India prepares for the Asia Cup, the spotlight remains on a player not in the squad. Shreyas Iyer’s snub has turned into the biggest talking point, and unless the selectors provide clarity, the debate is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

(Author is a journalist. Views are personal.)