New Delhi, Aug 19: The Indian selectors have sprung a surprise ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup, leaving out two in-form batters — Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer — from the main squad. The tournament, to be held in the T20I format from September 9 to 28, will see India begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10.
While Jaiswal has been named among the five stand-bys for the 15-member squad, Iyer has missed out entirely despite an impressive IPL season.
Jaiswal, who has already carved a name for himself in Tests, boasts remarkable T20 credentials. He has featured in 118 T20s with a strike rate of 151.67 and has made 723 runs from 23 T20Is at 164.31 — the third-highest for India among batters with at least 500 runs.
Since IPL 2023, the left-hander has piled up 1,619 runs in 44 games at a strike rate of 160.13, including two centuries and 12 fifties. Only Suryakumar Yadav has scored more runs at a better rate in the same period.
Yet, the selectors have opted for Shubman Gill, who returns to the T20I side after more than a year and has been appointed vice-captain. Gill, who last featured in a T20I in July 2024, carries a career strike rate of 138.89 in the format.
Speaking on the decision, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said the final call was between Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma, with Gill’s inclusion considered non-negotiable. “It’s unfortunate,” Agarkar admitted. “Abhishek offers an additional bowling option. One of the two had to miss out, and for now, Jaiswal will have to wait for his chance.”
The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer has been even more striking. Leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, Iyer enjoyed a breakout T20 season, amassing 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 — a figure bettered only by Chris Gayle (2011) and Suryakumar (2023) in 600-plus run campaigns. He also showed marked improvement against spin, striking at 145.5 with 11 sixes.
However, Iyer has found no space in India’s middle order, where Suryakumar and Tilak Varma have cemented the No.3 and No.4 slots.
Agarkar explained the omission bluntly: “You’ll have to tell me who he can replace. It’s not his fault, nor ours. We could only pick 15. He will have to wait for his opportunity.”
India’s final squad, therefore, balances experience with youth, but the decision to overlook two of the IPL’s standout performers has already sparked debate ahead of the continental showpiece. (Agencies)
