Could 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. With impressive IPL statistics and significant contributions to cricket, this decision may signal uncertainty about his T20I future. Could this impact India's chances in upcoming tournaments? Explore what this means for Iyer's career trajectory.
Key Takeaways
- Aakash Chopra advocates for Shreyas Iyer's inclusion in the reserves.
- Shreyas Iyer had a standout IPL season with over 600 runs.
- The absence of Iyer raises questions about his T20I future.
- Chopra believes Iyer can still make it to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- Iyer's next challenge is in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Shreyas Iyer should have been included in the reserve players for the upcoming Asia Cup. He argues that this omission raises concerns about the clarity of Iyer's future in T20I cricket.
Iyer showcased remarkable form in IPL 2025, scoring 604 runs at an impressive strike rate of 175 while leading Punjab Kings to the finals. Despite his significant progress, particularly against short balls and spinners, Iyer was not selected in the main squad or the five reserve players. This situation has puzzled former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, a sentiment echoed by Chopra. He remarked, "It’s surprising that Shreyas' name is missing from the five reserves. While it's clear you couldn't include him in the main 15-man squad due to the team composition, having lower-order backups like Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh is understandable.
However, a spot could have been reserved for Shreyas among the reserves instead of Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Prasidh Krishna. His exclusion sends a negative message and lacks clarity about his standing in the team," Chopra stated on his YouTube channel.
Chopra remains optimistic that Iyer could still join India's squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup if he maintains his strong performance in ODIs. Iyer’s next challenge will be playing for West Zone in the opening Duleep Trophy of the 2025/26 domestic season.
He added, "The absence of Shreyas Iyer is notable. What more does he need to prove? With over 600 runs in IPL, leading his team to the finals, and excelling in various formats, he has done everything possible.
"This Asia Cup squad should be viewed independently from the World Cup, as there are numerous T20Is following this tournament. If he continues to score in ODIs, I firmly believe Shreyas will eventually be part of India’s T20 World Cup team," Chopra concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the implications of player selections on team dynamics and individual careers. The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the Asia Cup reserves raises valid concerns regarding clarity and transparency in team selection, reflecting not only on Iyer’s career but also on the future prospects of the Indian cricket team.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shreyas Iyer excluded from the Asia Cup reserves?
Aakash Chopra believes his exceptional IPL performance warranted inclusion, highlighting a lack of clarity about Iyer's T20I future.
What were Shreyas Iyer's IPL statistics?
Shreyas Iyer scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025, leading Punjab Kings to the finals.
What does Aakash Chopra think about Iyer's future?
Chopra feels that if Iyer continues performing well in ODIs, he could still be considered for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
