Should Shreyas Iyer Have Been Included in Asia Cup Reserves?
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Synopsis
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra raises eyebrows over Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup reserves. With a stellar IPL performance, Iyer's omission sends mixed signals about his T20I future. Will he reclaim his spot in the national squad? Explore Chopra's insights and predictions for Iyer's cricketing journey.
Key Takeaways
- Aakash Chopra questions Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup reserves.
- Iyer had an outstanding IPL season, scoring 604 runs.
- The decision raises concerns about clarity regarding his T20I future.
- Chopra believes Iyer could still join the T20 World Cup squad.
- Iyer's next challenge is the Duleep Trophy.
New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has expressed that Shreyas Iyer deserved a spot among the reserve players for the forthcoming Asia Cup, emphasizing that this decision raises concerns regarding his T20I future clarity.
Iyer accumulated 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025 and successfully led the Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish. Despite showcasing significant improvements in handling short balls and excelling against spinners, Iyer was excluded from both the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup and the reserve list.
This exclusion puzzled former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, and Chopra shares this sentiment. "The absence of Shreyas in the reserve list is shocking. While it’s understandable not to include him in the 15-man squad due to potential playing XI constraints, it’s curious that he wasn’t included among the reserves, especially with players like Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Prasidh Krishna taking spots instead. His exclusion sends a troubling message, lacking clarity regarding Shreyas’ status," Chopra stated on his YouTube channel on Wednesday.
Chopra remains optimistic, believing Iyer could still secure a position in India’s squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup if he continues to perform well in ODIs. Currently, Iyer’s next challenge is representing the West Zone in the 2025/26 domestic season opening Duleep Trophy.
"The absence of Shreyas Iyer is quite significant. What more does he need to achieve? With a 600-plus run IPL season, leading his team to the final, scoring in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, competing in Ranji, and winning the Champions Trophy, he has done everything possible," he added.
"This is the Asia Cup team, and it’s important not to link it with the World Cup, as there are 15 T20Is scheduled afterwards. The landscape can change dramatically within those matches. If he continues to score runs in ODIs, Shreyas Iyer will inevitably be part of the team. I strongly believe he will make it to India’s T20 World Cup roster," Chopra concluded.
Point of View
I affirm that decisions regarding player selections should be transparent and merit-based. The omission of Shreyas Iyer from the Asia Cup reserves raises questions about the criteria being applied. It’s crucial for national selectors to provide clarity, ensuring players understand the pathway to selection. We stand with the notion that every deserving player should have an opportunity based on their performance.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shreyas Iyer excluded from the Asia Cup reserves?
Shreyas Iyer was not included in the Asia Cup reserves despite an impressive IPL season, which raises questions about his T20I future.
What are Aakash Chopra's views on Shreyas Iyer's exclusion?
Aakash Chopra finds Iyer's absence from the reserves surprising and believes it sends a troubling signal regarding his future in T20I cricket.
Can Shreyas Iyer still make it to the T20 World Cup?
If Shreyas Iyer continues to perform well in ODIs, Aakash Chopra believes he has a strong chance of being included in India's T20 World Cup squad.
What is Shreyas Iyer's next cricketing assignment?
Shreyas Iyer's next assignment is playing for the West Zone in the 2025/26 domestic season opening Duleep Trophy.
How did Shreyas Iyer perform in the IPL 2025?
In IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 and led the Punjab Kings to the finals.
