Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has voiced strong disappointment at the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from India’s 15-man squad for the Asia Cup 2025. The squad, announced on Tuesday, omitted Iyer despite his impressive form across formats, a move Azharuddin called a “big surprise” on social media.
“Shreyas Iyer left out of the squad. Big surprise,” Azharuddin posted on X (formerly Twitter), aligning with growing concerns in the cricket fraternity about the selectors’ choices.
Shreyas Iyer left out of the squad. Big surprise. #AsiaCup2025 @ShreyasIyer15
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 19, 2025
Azharuddin Not Alone as Ashwin, Nayar Also React
Azharuddin’s view was echoed by veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who labeled Iyer’s omission “sad” and “unfair.” On his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin added, “He fixed his short-ball issues and played fearlessly in the IPL against top bowlers like Bumrah and Rabada. What more do you want?”
Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar also criticized the decision, saying, “Iyer not even making the top 20 suggests he’s not part of the selectors’ T20 plans anymore, which is shocking.”
Selectors Defend the Move, but Questions Remain
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the squad selection, stating: “With Shreyas, there’s no fault of his. We can only pick 15.” However, many believe the explanation lacks clarity, especially considering Iyer’s red-hot form and leadership success in IPL 2024 and 2025, guiding KKR to a title and Punjab Kings to their first final since 2014.
A Proven Performer Left Behind
With over 1100 T20I runs at a healthy average and a strike rate above 135, Iyer’s track record speaks for itself. His absence, especially when less-experienced players like Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson were preferred, has led many — including legends like Azharuddin to question if selectors are ignoring merit in favor of fresh faces.
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Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
