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Despite his explosive batting in IPL 2025, where he struck at a rate of 175 and hit the most sixes by an Indian player, Shreyas Iyer has once again found himself on the sidelines. The Punjab Kings skipper, who proved his worth in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, was not considered for the Asia Cup 2025 squad—not even as a reserve. This has raised questions about the inconsistency in selection, especially when compared to the time BCCI yielded to Rohit Sharma’s strong backing of Iyer for the Champions Trophy.

Back then, the selectors had no intention of including Iyer in the squad, but Rohit stood firm. His faith was rewarded when Iyer emerged as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 243 runs in five innings, including two fifties, at an average of 48.60. His contributions played a key role in India lifting the trophy. Yet, just months later, Iyer has been ignored completely for the Asia Cup, leaving fans and experts baffled.

The Asia Cup team announcement, delayed by more than an hour due to heavy rains in Mumbai, was made by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav. Interestingly, Iyer’s name wasn’t even discussed. Instead, Shubman Gill was named vice-captain, with Agarkar and Suryakumar praising his leadership potential and past captaincy experience. The message was clear—Iyer has slipped out of the T20I plans.

Reports suggest that he may be considered for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies in October, but his exclusion from even a 20-member T20I squad has raised eyebrows. Former India coach Abhishek Nair openly questioned the decision, saying it sends a clear signal that Iyer is not in the selectors’ plans for T20 cricket. Veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin also expressed disappointment, calling Iyer’s omission from the Asia Cup squad “sad.”