The announcement of India‘s Asia Cup 2025 squad has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with Shreyas Iyer‘s exclusion sending shockwaves via the Indian cricket followers fraternity. Regardless of a unprecedented IPL 2025 season the place he amassed 604 runs at an explosive strike price of 175.07, the Mumbai batter discovered himself on the surface wanting in, triggering widespread fan outrage throughout social media platforms.
The choice committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, opted to retain gamers like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube over the Punjab Kings captain, who had guided his franchise to the IPL ultimate with some breathtaking performances. Including salt to the wound, Iyer wasn’t even named among the many 5 standby gamers, with Riyan Parag earmarked because the substitute ought to any harm happen.
Selectors underneath hearth over Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from Asia Cup 2025 squad
When questioned in regards to the controversial omission throughout Tuesday’s press convention, Agarkar’s response solely fueled the controversy additional. “It’s unlucky that Shreyas Iyer misses out. It’s no fault of his, however neither ours. He has to attend for his probability,” the chief selector acknowledged, earlier than difficult media individuals with: “Obtained to inform me who he can substitute?”
This defensive stance has backfired spectacularly, with followers questioning the logic behind retaining sure gamers over somebody who had simply delivered one of the dominant IPL campaigns in latest reminiscence. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar didn’t mince phrases throughout his evaluation on Star Sports activities, suggesting there is perhaps greater than meets the attention: “Perhaps he isn’t appreciated as a lot as another person“.
Aakash Chopra, in the meantime, highlighted the positional dilemma, noting that crew choice was based mostly on particular roles within the taking part in XI. Nonetheless, this clarification has carried out little to pacify supporters who imagine Iyer’s latest type warranted severe consideration, particularly given his Participant of the Match efficiency in his final T20I look in opposition to Australia.
Additionally READ: Asia Cup 2025: ‘Who can he substitute?’: Ajit Agarkar drops a bombshell on Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s squad
Right here’s how followers reacted:
🚨 NO SHREYAS IYER AND YASHASVI JAISWAL IN INDIA SQUAD FOR ASIA CUP 🚨 pic.twitter.com/BWey7diWfz
— Manmohan (@GarhManmohan) August 19, 2025
Intestine feeling Shreyas will substitute somebody in 2026 T20 WC https://t.co/lQZiDHIQMq
— Mallikarjuna (@veerutherocker) August 19, 2025
Throw some gentle on
What occurred between gautam gambhir/ajit agarkar and shreyas iyer ?Why shreyas iyer shouldn’t be being picked ! He’s virtually captain materials for India ODI’s & T20’s for positive however not being discovered a spot within the crew
— Ravi N (@inr4477) August 19, 2025
Disrespectful in the direction of Shreyas who has been a high participant and needs to be included within the Indian crew https://t.co/LQprhdLYN6
— Arun Chowdhury (@Arun_Chowdhury) August 19, 2025
– Most Runs in Champions Trophy
– Extra Runs than Shubman Gill in WC
– Reached IPL Finals being High Run Scorer of GroupGautam Gambhir is simply jealous of him. There may be not even a single purpose to drop Shreyas Iyer. pic.twitter.com/5yNZ4frwML
— Nandini Chaar (@ndccomputers) August 19, 2025
The primary man of India’s champions trophy profitable squad in 2025 Shreyas Iyer not picked for Asia cup 2025 . 💔 pic.twitter.com/ODSKbgRvMX
— Cric Observer (@Cricobserver21) August 19, 2025
Shreyas Iyer ko squad se bahar rakhna unfair lagta hai 💔
Keep sturdy Iyer #AsiaCupsquad #iyer #gill
— ROMEO (@ROMEO_77R) August 19, 2025
Nobody……
Shreyas iyer #Asiacup l #AsiaCupsquad pic.twitter.com/LjCYBrlRe1
— lallantop memes (@AmitSah36414000) August 19, 2025
Shreyas iyer and yashasvi jaiswal on the lookout for their names in Asia cup squad pic.twitter.com/adbSo6zI7s
— Homelander DudhWala (@NotHomelander1) August 19, 2025
Extremely disillusioned that Axar misplaced his vice captaincy. Shreyas Iyer’s ommission was unimaginable too. #AsiaCupsquad #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/D7gW7WYJpP
— Wasay Habib (@wwasay) August 19, 2025
A case constructed for Shreyas on efficiency within the IPL 2025 and Champions Trophy
The statistical proof supporting Iyer’s inclusion is overwhelming. His IPL 2025 numbers inform a compelling story – 604 runs in 17 matches at a median of fifty.33, with six half-centuries and a highest rating of 97 not out. This strike price of 175.07 ranks among the many highest ever recorded by gamers scoring over 600 runs in an IPL season, inserting him alongside legends like Chris Gayle and Suryakumar Yadav.
Past the IPL heroics, Iyer was India’s main run-scorer within the Champions Trophy with 243 runs in 5 matches, taking part in an important function within the crew’s title triumph. His T20I profession statistics – 1,104 runs in 51 matches at a median of 30.66 with a strike price of 136.12 – additional underscore his credentials within the shortest format.
The choice turns into much more puzzling when contemplating India’s middle-order composition. With Suryakumar main the aspect and Tilak Varma established at quantity three, there seemed to be room for an skilled finisher like Iyer. As a substitute, the selectors have opted for a squad that, whereas gifted, lacks the confirmed big-match temperament that Iyer brings to high-pressure conditions.
The exclusion has sparked intense debate about choice transparency and consistency, with followers throughout social media platforms expressing their disappointment utilizing hashtags and heated discussions. The controversy threatens to overshadow what ought to have been a routine squad announcement, highlighting the passionate funding of Indian cricket supporters in crew choice selections. As India prepares for the Asia Cup starting September 9 within the UAE, the Iyer saga serves as a reminder of the superb margins that separate choice from rejection at worldwide stage.
Additionally READ: Followers react as BCCI appoints Shubman Gill as vice-captain in India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025