Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly criticised chief selector Ajit Agarkar after Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the Asia Cup 2025 squad. The All-India Senior Selection Committee announced a 15-member team for the tournament, naming Suryakumar Yadav as captain with Shubman Gill as vice-captain.
While the squad had a mix of experienced players and young faces, the glaring absence of Shreyas Iyer quickly became the main subject of debate. Ashwin pointed out that despite Iyer’s consistent performances across formats, he was not even named in the list of five reserves, which included Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, and Washington Sundar.
Shreyas Iyer’s Recent Impact
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion surprised many because his record in recent domestic and franchise cricket has been outstanding. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Indian Premier League, he scored heavily and showcased the kind of form that usually guarantees a national call-up.
Earlier this year, Iyer played a crucial role for Punjab Kings, guiding them to their first IPL final since 2014 while piling up more than 600 runs in the season. Before that, in 2024, he had successfully led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL crown, proving his value not just as a batsman but also as a leader.
His impact was not limited to the IPL alone; in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Iyer was an important figure in India’s middle order. On the slow, spin-friendly tracks of Dubai, he provided the stability and acceleration the team needed during the middle overs, underlining his adaptability to conditions.
Ravichandran Ashwin Defends Iyer’s Case
Ashwin’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among fans and experts who believe that Iyer deserved a spot in the Asia Cup squad. The veteran off-spinner argued that there is little more Iyer could have done to make his case stronger. From piling up domestic runs to delivering on the international stage, Iyer has consistently proven his worth. Ashwin’s critique also indirectly raises questions about the transparency of the selection process under Agarkar’s leadership.
Was the decision influenced by team balance, or were other factors at play? While selectors are often forced to make tough choices, the complete exclusion of a player in such fine form appears harsh. For Ashwin, the omission is not just a setback for Iyer but also a missed opportunity for India to field one of their most reliable middle-order players in a key tournament.
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