Should Shreyas Iyer Have Been Included in Asia Cup Reserves?
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Synopsis
Aakash Chopra raises eyebrows over Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup's reserve list, questioning the clarity of his T20I future. With a stellar IPL season behind him, many wonder what more Iyer must achieve to secure his place. Discover the implications of this decision and its potential impact on Iyer's career.
Key Takeaways
- Shreyas Iyer has shown exceptional skill in IPL 2025.
- Aakash Chopra questions the clarity of Iyer's future in T20Is.
- Omission from reserves raises eyebrows among experts.
- Performance in ODIs could secure Iyer's place in future tournaments.
- Team strategy plays a crucial role in player selection.
New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has expressed that Shreyas Iyer should have been included in the list of reserve players for the forthcoming Asia Cup. He argues that this omission sends a troubling message regarding the clarity of Iyer's future in T20 internationals.
Iyer showcased his remarkable skills by scoring 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 during IPL 2025, leading Punjab Kings to a runner-up finish. Despite his significant improvements, including better handling of short balls and dominating spinners, Iyer was excluded from both the 15-member squad and the five reserve players list.
This decision has left former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar perplexed, and Chopra shares his sentiment. He stated, "It’s surprising that Shreyas' name is absent from the five reserves. While it's understandable he wasn't included in the 15-man squad, especially since he can't fit into the playing eleven, having lower-order batters like Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh is reasonable. However, a spot could have been allocated for Iyer among the reserves, where players like Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Prasidh Krishna have been included. His omission doesn't convey a positive message, and the clarity regarding Shreyas' future is lacking."
Chopra is optimistic that Iyer can still secure a spot in India's squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, provided he maintains his performance in ODI matches. Currently, Iyer's next challenge lies in the 2025/26 domestic season opening Duleep Trophy with the West Zone.
"Shreyas Iyer's absence is a significant story. What more must he do? He had a stellar IPL season with over 600 runs, led his team to the final, performed well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, played in the Ranji Trophy, and even won the Champions Trophy. That’s an impressive achievement for any player," Chopra remarked.
He emphasized, "This is the Asia Cup team, and it's essential not to conflate it with the World Cup, as there are 15 T20 internationals scheduled before that. The dynamics can shift in those 15 matches. If Iyer continues to score in ODIs, he will inevitably be part of the team. I firmly believe Shreyas Iyer will feature in India's T20 World Cup squad," he concluded.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the complexities surrounding Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup reserves. While performance metrics suggest he deserves a place, the decision reflects the team's strategy and dynamics. NationPress remains committed to presenting an unbiased perspective as we navigate the intricacies of sports selections and their broader implications.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shreyas Iyer excluded from the Asia Cup reserves?
Shreyas Iyer's exclusion is attributed to team strategy and the preference for lower-order batters, despite his excellent performance in IPL 2025.
What did Aakash Chopra say about Iyer's omission?
Aakash Chopra expressed surprise at Iyer's absence from the reserve list, indicating it sends a troubling message regarding his T20I future.
Can Shreyas Iyer still make it to the T20 World Cup squad?
Yes, if Shreyas Iyer continues to perform well in ODIs, he has a strong chance of being included in India's squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
What are Iyer's upcoming matches?
Shreyas Iyer's next assignment is the 2025/26 Duleep Trophy, where he will represent the West Zone.
