Shreyas Iyer was surprisingly left out of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad despite an outstanding IPL season. Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has shared his reaction to the snub ahead of the upcoming continental tournament. The Asia Cup, featuring eight teams, is set to begin in the UAE on September 9, with the final scheduled for September 28.
Shreyas Iyer, who had a stellar IPL 2025 campaign, did not make the squad. He led Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final, amassing 604 runs in 17 matches, including six fifties, a top score of 97*, and an impressive strike rate of 175.07.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill made a return to the T20I setup after more than a year out and was named the team’s vice-captain.
Commenting on Shreyas Iyer exclusion, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said, “Regarding Shreyas, you’ll have to ask who he could replace. It’s no fault of his, nor ours. At this moment, only 15 players can be picked. He’ll have to wait for his opportunity.”
Iyer has scored over 1,100 runs in 51 T20Is for India, including five fifties. However, his last appearance for India in the format was against Australia in 2023.
“Big Surprise” – Mohammed Azharuddin Reacts to Shreyas Iyer’s Omission
Soon after India’s 15-man squad for the 2025 Asia Cup was announced on Tuesday, former captain Mohammed Azharuddin took to social media to express his astonishment at Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion, calling it a “big surprise.”
“Shreyas Iyer was left out of the squad. Big surprise,” Azharuddin tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the bewilderment shared by many in the cricketing community.
He wasn’t alone in his reaction. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also described Iyer’s omission as a disappointing decision and questioned the rationale behind leaving out young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“Selection is a thankless job. You have to leave someone out. But I hope someone has spoken to Shreyas and Yashasvi. I am very, very sad for both. It’s just not fair,” Ashwin added.
