What Shreyas Iyer's Treatment Revealed That Shocked the BCCI President?

Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the India squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has sparked debate, particularly among cricketing legends like Sourav Ganguly, who believes Iyer's performances warrant a place on the team. Ganguly argues that Iyer's consistent contributions in white-ball cricket and his leadership capabilities should have secured him a spot over other contenders.

Last updated: 14 September 2025 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Sourav Ganguly expressed disappointment over Shreyas Iyer's omission from the Asia Cup squad.
• Iyer was the leading run-scorer for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
• Ganguly believes Iyer deserved selection over Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma.
• Iyer has a strong record in recent competitions, including the Champions Trophy.
• India is set to face Pakistan in a highly anticipated Asia Cup clash.

The Controversy Surrounding Shreyas Iyer's Exclusion

Shreyas Iyer's absence from the 20-member Asia Cup 2025 squad, which includes five reserves, has drawn significant criticism, notably from former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly's surprise stems from Iyer's strong form in white-ball cricket, particularly during the IPL 2025 season, where he showcased exceptional skills as a middle-order batter.

"I am surprised not to see Iyer in the Asia Cup squad. Whenever I don’t see him in a white-ball squad, I am taken aback," Ganguly stated in an interview with Anandabazar Patrika. The former captain is perplexed about Iyer's exclusion, particularly in light of his past performances and his abilities as both a batsman and a captain.

Shreyas Iyer's Recent Performances

In the 2025 IPL season, Iyer emerged as the leading run-scorer for Punjab Kings (PBKS), accumulating an impressive 604 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 175.07. His contributions played a crucial role in guiding his team to the final, although they ultimately fell short against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Prior to this, Iyer had captained the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the 2024 IPL, further solidifying his reputation as a talented leader.

Statistics That Speak Volumes

Iyer's consistency is evident in his overall white-ball performance. Since making his international debut, he has scored 1,104 runs across 51 T20I matches, averaging 33.65 with a strike rate of 136.12. His notable achievements include:

• Eight fifties in T20Is, with a top score of 88.
• Being the second-highest run-scorer in the 2025 Champions Trophy, amassing 243 runs at an average of 48.60.
• His last T20I performance against Australia in December 2023, where he scored 53 runs off 37 balls.

The Selection Committee's Decision

Despite Iyer's impressive statistics and contributions, the selection committee chose to overlook him in favour of Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma. Ganguly questions this decision, stating, "You cannot omit Iyer from white-ball teams. He deserves a spot ahead of Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma." This remark highlights the ongoing debate about the selection criteria and the players' performances that should ideally dictate such choices.

Upcoming Challenges: India vs. Pakistan

The Indian cricket team has begun its Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a strong nine-wicket victory over the UAE. As they prepare to face Pakistan in their next match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 14 September, the stakes are high. Historically, India holds a favourable record against Pakistan in T20Is, having won nine out of their 13 encounters. This psychological edge could play a crucial role in their performance during the upcoming clash.

What to Expect from India in the Asia Cup

With a formidable bowling lineup featuring stars like Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah, India looks well-equipped to challenge their rivals. Additionally, their batting order boasts significant depth and firepower, capable of dismantling even the most robust bowling attacks. The team's recent performances suggest they are well-prepared to make a deep run in the tournament, despite the absence of key players like Shreyas Iyer.

The Bigger Picture: Why Iyer's Omission Matters

Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Asia Cup squad raises questions about the criteria used for player selection, especially in high-stakes tournaments. As a player with proven abilities and leadership skills, Iyer's absence could impact the team's overall dynamics, particularly in the middle order where experience and consistency are critical. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how India's selections and strategies play out in crucial matches.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The Asia Cup 2025 is not just about winning; it's also a chance for players to prove their mettle on an international stage. While Iyer's absence is felt, the focus now shifts to the players selected and their ability to perform under pressure. The upcoming matches, especially the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan, will serve as a litmus test for the team's composition and strategy.

FAQs

1. Why was Shreyas Iyer excluded from the Asia Cup squad?

Shreyas Iyer was not selected for the Asia Cup squad despite his strong performances, as the selection committee opted for Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma instead. This decision has sparked debate among cricket analysts and fans.

2. How has Shreyas Iyer performed in recent tournaments?

In recent tournaments, Iyer was the leading run-scorer for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 and the second-highest run-getter in the 2025 Champions Trophy, showcasing his consistent form in white-ball cricket.

3. What is India's historical performance against Pakistan in T20Is?

India has a strong historical record against Pakistan in T20Is, winning nine out of their 13 encounters. This includes a psychological edge with a 3-2 lead in their most recent meetings.

4. Who are the key players for India in the Asia Cup 2025?

Key players for India in the Asia Cup 2025 include bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah, alongside a powerful batting lineup capable of scoring heavily.

5. What impact could Iyer's absence have on the Indian team?

Iyer's absence may impact the team's middle-order stability and experience, which are crucial in high-pressure situations, especially in knockout stages of tournaments like the Asia Cup.