Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has triggered intense debate across the cricketing fraternity. Despite guiding Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in over a decade and emerging as India’s leading run-scorer in the Champions Trophy 2025, the 30-year-old finds himself sidelined — a decision that has baffled both fans and experts alike.
Shreyas Iyer’s father voiced his anguish over son’s absence in India’s Asia Cup squad
Shreyas’ father, Santosh Iyer, voiced his frustration in a candid conversation with Times of India, questioning the selectors’ logic behind the omission.
“I don’t know what else Shreyas has to do to make it to the Indian T20 team,” he lamented.
“He has been performing so well in the IPL year after year, from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders to Punjab Kings, and that too as captain,” Santosh stated.
The numbers back his claim. In IPL 2025, Shreyas piled up 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and a staggering strike rate of 175.07, registering six fifties while leading PBKS to the final. Just a season earlier, he had captained Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title. Yet, the selectors not only excluded him from the 15-member squad but also left him out of the reserves.
Santosh’s anguish was clear as he added, “I’m not saying make him the Indian captain, but at least select him in the team.” His words echo the frustration of many fans and former players, with ex-assistant coach Abhishek Nayar even hinting that selection can sometimes come down to personal preferences.
“He doesn’t blame anybody”: Santosh on his son’s approach in life
Amidst the noise, Shreyas himself has remained remarkably composed. According to his father, the batter refuses to indulge in blame games or outbursts.
“Even if he’s left out of the Indian team, he doesn’t show dissent. He’ll just say: ‘Mera naseeb hai (it’s my luck). You can’t do anything now.’ He’s always cool and calm. He doesn’t blame anybody,” Santosh revealed.
This quiet acceptance highlights Shreyas’ mental strength, though his father admitted that deep inside, the disappointment must be real. His calmness, however, has only earned him greater respect among fans, who see his dignified response as a reflection of his character.
The exclusion looks even more questionable when weighed against his recent record. Shreyas topped India’s charts in the Champions Trophy 2025, scoring 243 runs in five innings and finishing as the tournament’s second-highest overall scorer. He has also led Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, further showcasing his consistency across formats.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the call, stating, “With regards to Shreyas, there’s no fault of his — nor is it ours. It’s just that we can only pick 15, and at the moment, he might have to wait for his chance.” Meanwhile, cricket analysts like Aakash Chopra remain optimistic, predicting that Iyer will return in time for the T20 World Cup, with 15 T20Is still left before the marquee event.
For now, Shreyas’s omission stands as one of the most hotly debated selection decisions in recent memory. His father’s anguish and his own graceful acceptance add emotional depth to a story that underscores both the unpredictability of Indian cricket selections and the resilience required to survive them.