Should Shreyas Iyer Have Been Included in Asia Cup Reserves?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Aakash Chopra raises eyebrows over Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup reserves, questioning what more he needs to do to secure his place. With a stellar IPL performance behind him, Iyer's future in T20 internationals remains uncertain. Discover the implications of this decision and what lies ahead for Iyer.
Key Takeaways
- Aakash Chopra questions Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup reserves.
- Iyer had a remarkable IPL 2025 season, scoring over 600 runs.
- The decision raises concerns about his future in T20 internationals.
- Chopra believes Iyer could still make the 2026 T20 World Cup squad.
- Iyer's immediate focus is on the Duleep Trophy.
New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Former India opener Aakash Chopra is of the opinion that Shreyas Iyer ought to have been included in the reserve list for the upcoming Asia Cup, indicating that this decision lacks clarity regarding his future in T20 internationals.
In IPL 2025, Iyer scored an impressive 604 runs at a strike rate of 175, leading Punjab Kings to the finals. Despite significantly enhancing his performance against short deliveries and showing prowess against spinners, Iyer was not included in the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup nor in the five reserve players.
This decision puzzled former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, and Chopra shares this sentiment. He stated, "Shreyas' exclusion from the reserve list is unexpected. While it’s reasonable not to include him in the main 15, opting for lower-order batters as backups like Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh is understandable.
"However, a spot could have easily been allocated for him among the reserves, especially considering the inclusion of Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Prasidh Krishna. Shreyas’ absence sends a concerning message regarding his standing. There’s a lack of clarity surrounding his future," Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel.
Chopra remains optimistic that Iyer could still secure a position in India’s squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, provided he continues to excel in ODIs. His immediate focus will be competing for West Zone in the 2025/26 domestic season opening Duleep Trophy.
"The absence of Shreyas Iyer is noteworthy. What more does he need to accomplish? He had a stellar IPL season with over 600 runs, led his team to the finals, and demonstrated consistent performance in various formats. What else can be expected?"
"This is the Asia Cup team. It’s important not to conflate this with the World Cup; there are still 15 T20Is after this. The dynamics can shift dramatically in that time. If he keeps performing in ODIs, Shreyas Iyer will inevitably be part of the squad. I firmly believe he will be included in India’s T20 World Cup team," he added.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize that the decision to exclude Shreyas Iyer from the Asia Cup reserves raises questions about the clarity of his future in T20 cricket. While the selectors have their reasons, it’s crucial to consider the significant contributions Iyer has made. Our approach remains committed to providing an unbiased perspective on such pivotal sports discussions.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shreyas Iyer excluded from the Asia Cup reserves?
Aakash Chopra believes the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the reserves is surprising, especially given his impressive IPL performance.
What did Aakash Chopra say about Shreyas Iyer's future?
Chopra expressed confidence that Iyer could still be part of India's squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup if he continues performing well in ODIs.
What was Shreyas Iyer's performance in IPL 2025?
Shreyas Iyer scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 and led Punjab Kings to the finals in IPL 2025.
What are the implications of Iyer's exclusion?
Iyer's absence from the reserves raises concerns about his future role in T20 internationals and may affect his confidence.
What will be Shreyas Iyer's next assignment?
Shreyas Iyer's next assignment is representing West Zone in the 2025/26 domestic season opening Duleep Trophy.
