• Shreyas Iyer's impressive IPL 2025 performance was overlooked as he was excluded from India's Asia Cup squad.

  • Fans on social media expressed disappointment over the omission of Iyer.

Fans express disappointment as Shreyas Iyer left out of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad
Fans fume as Shreyas Iyer left out of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad (Image source: X)

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The announcement of India‘s Asia Cup 2025 squad has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with Shreyas Iyer‘s exclusion sending shockwaves through the Indian cricket fans fraternity. Despite an extraordinary IPL 2025 season where he amassed 604 runs at an explosive strike rate of 175.07, the Mumbai batter found himself on the outside looking in, triggering widespread fan outrage across social media platforms.

The selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, opted to retain players like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube over the Punjab Kings captain, who had guided his franchise to the IPL final with some breathtaking performances. Adding salt to the wound, Iyer wasn’t even named among the five standby players, with Riyan Parag earmarked as the replacement should any injury occur.

Selectors under fire over Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from Asia Cup 2025 squad

When questioned about the controversial omission during Tuesday’s press conference, Agarkar’s response only fueled the controversy further. “It’s unfortunate that Shreyas Iyer misses out. It’s no fault of his, but neither ours. He has to wait for his chance,” the chief selector stated, before challenging media persons with: “Got to tell me who he can replace?”

This defensive stance has backfired spectacularly, with fans questioning the logic behind retaining certain players over someone who had just delivered one of the most dominant IPL campaigns in recent memory. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar didn’t mince words during his analysis on Star Sports, suggesting there might be more than meets the eye: “Maybe he is not liked as much as someone else“.

Aakash Chopra, meanwhile, highlighted the positional dilemma, noting that team selection was based on specific roles in the playing XI. However, this explanation has done little to pacify supporters who believe Iyer’s recent form warranted serious consideration, especially given his Player of the Match performance in his last T20I appearance against Australia.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: ‘Who can he replace?’: Ajit Agarkar drops a bombshell on Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s squad

Here’s how fans reacted:

A case built for Shreyas on performance in the IPL 2025 and Champions Trophy

The statistical evidence supporting Iyer’s inclusion is overwhelming. His IPL 2025 numbers tell a compelling story – 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33, with six half-centuries and a highest score of 97 not out. This strike rate of 175.07 ranks among the highest ever recorded by players scoring over 600 runs in an IPL season, placing him alongside legends like Chris Gayle and Suryakumar Yadav.

Beyond the IPL heroics, Iyer was India’s leading run-scorer in the Champions Trophy with 243 runs in five matches, playing a crucial role in the team’s title triumph. His T20I career statistics – 1,104 runs in 51 matches at an average of 30.66 with a strike rate of 136.12 – further underscore his credentials in the shortest format.

The selection becomes even more puzzling when considering India’s middle-order composition. With Suryakumar leading the side and Tilak Varma established at number three, there appeared to be room for an experienced finisher like Iyer. Instead, the selectors have opted for a squad that, while talented, lacks the proven big-match temperament that Iyer brings to high-pressure situations.

The exclusion has sparked intense debate about selection transparency and consistency, with fans across social media platforms expressing their disappointment using hashtags and heated discussions. The controversy threatens to overshadow what should have been a routine squad announcement, highlighting the passionate investment of Indian cricket supporters in team selection decisions. As India prepares for the Asia Cup beginning September 9 in the UAE, the Iyer saga serves as a reminder of the fine margins that separate selection from rejection at international level.

Also READ: Fans react as BCCI appoints Shubman Gill as vice-captain in India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.