Asia Cup 2025Asia CupCricket ControversiesCricket NewsIndian Cricket NewsIndian Cricket TeamIndian Cricket UpdatesIndian CricketersIPLIPL 2025IPL NewsIPL Updates
Selectors Prioritize Continuity Over IPL Form as Shreyas Iyer Misses Out on Asia Cup Squad
Shreyas Iyer’s Omission Raises Eyebrows
The Indian selectors have raised debate and divided opinions after leaving out Shreyas Iyer from the 20-member Asia Cup squad, including reserves. The decision has sparked surprise among experts and fans alike, given Iyer’s stellar form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, where he guided Punjab Kings to a rare final.
Former India all-rounder and current team staff member Abhishek Nayar expressed disbelief over Iyer’s exclusion. Speaking on JioHotstar, he said:
“I can’t fathom or understand what reason could justify Shreyas Iyer not being part of the 20-member squad. Not even the final 15, but the 20 itself, which sends a clear message that he is not in the selectors’ scheme of things, at least from a T20 perspective.”
Iyer amassed 603 runs in the IPL 2025 season at a strike rate of over 175 and an average exceeding 50, placing sixth on the batting charts. With more than 130 international appearances across formats, the 30-year-old is considered one of India’s most seasoned middle-order players.
Selectors Emphasize Limited Spots
Gill Over Jaiswal in Selection Dilemma
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the panel’s choices, stressing that while Iyer’s form was commendable, the final squad needed balance.
“With regards to Shreyas, we have to look at who he could replace. It’s no fault of his, but with only 15 slots available, tough calls had to be made,” Agarkar explained.
The selectors also overlooked other high-performing IPL players. Sai Sudharsan, the leading run-scorer of the season with 759 runs, was left out, while Prasidh Krishna, the top wicket-taker with 25 scalps, only made the reserves. Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite a successful World Cup campaign in 2024 and 559 IPL runs, was also pushed into the reserve list.
It was widely perceived as a toss-up between Shubman Gill and Jaiswal, with the selectors opting for Gill due to his consistent recent performances.
For readers looking for detailed India squad insights, check out our India Asia Cup Squad Analysis.
Core Squad Retained Despite Pressure
The selectors’ approach was clear: stick with the proven T20I core that delivered 16 wins out of 20 matches since India’s World Cup 2024 triumph. IPL form, while important, was not the sole criterion.
Agarkar also mentioned Abhishek Sharma’s versatility as a key reason for his inclusion over Jaiswal:
“What Abhishek has done in the past year, plus his ability to bowl, gives the captain additional options. Unfortunately, someone like Yashasvi has to wait for his opportunity.”
Selectors Reaffirm Trust in Jasprit Bumrah
Managing Workload the Priority
Another major talking point was the selectors’ backing of Jasprit Bumrah. The star pacer has been criticized for not playing the full Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, featuring in only three of the five Tests.
Agarkar dismissed concerns, stating that Bumrah’s workload management is a long-term strategy:
“There’s no written plan, but he’s monitored closely by the team management and physios. Given his injury history and how unique he is, extra care is taken. The priority is to keep him fit for big games. That won’t change over the next six months or beyond.”
This approach highlights the selectors’ intention to have Bumrah at peak fitness for key international assignments, especially the upcoming Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.
For more on India’s fast-bowling workload management strategies, visit the ESPNCricinfo coverage.
The selectors’ latest decisions underline a preference for continuity and balance over IPL heroics. While the omission of stars like Shreyas Iyer, Sai Sudharsan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal has sparked debate, the retained core reflects trust in a squad that has delivered consistently at the international level.
With the Asia Cup around the corner and the T20 World Cup on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether this approach will pay dividends or reignite calls for a greater emphasis on IPL form.
