Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik raised concerns over the exclusion of Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer from India’s 2025 Asia Cup squad. The BCCI revealed the 20-member squad, including five reserves, on Tuesday, August 19, with Iyer missing out.
His omission has triggered significant discussion, particularly in light of his strong recent performances. In IPL 2025, Iyer piled up 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07, hitting six half-centuries while leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final.
Responding to the decision, Dinesh Karthik posted a video on Instagram on Thursday, August 21, stating:
“Where is Shreyas Iyer? That’s the big question, isn’t it? How could he miss out? To a point, it’s understandable. He wasn’t part of the 15, considering how well team India have done. 17 out of the last 20 they have won so okay, continuity, fair. But not making him part of the other five players which you have earmarked for the near future with the T20 World Cup in mind?”
“Closing doors on him? That’s a tad bit unfair and I hope it doesn’t happen because he has done outstandingly well as a leader, but even better as a batter under pressure,” he added.
“He must be disappointed” – Shreyas Iyer’s father on his Asia Cup 2025 exclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s father, Santosh Iyer, voiced his disappointment over his son being left out of the 2025 Asia Cup squad. In an interview with The Times of India, he stated:
“I don’t know what else Shreyas has to do to make it to the T20 team. 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 a captain. He even captained KKR to the IPL title in 2024, and led PBKS to the final this year. I’m not saying make him the Indian captain, but at least select him in the team.”
“However, let me tell you that even if he’s left out of the Indian team, he doesn’t show dissent on his face. 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. Deep inside, he must be naturally disappointed,” he added.
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