The announcement of India‘s Asia Cup 2025 squad has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with Shreyas Iyer‘s exclusion sending shockwaves through the Indian cricket fans fraternity. Despite an extraordinary IPL 2025 season where he amassed 604 runs at an explosive strike rate of 175.07, the Mumbai batter found himself on the outside looking in, triggering widespread fan outrage across social media platforms.
The selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, opted to retain players like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube over the Punjab Kings captain, who had guided his franchise to the IPL final with some breathtaking performances. Adding salt to the wound, Iyer wasn’t even named among the five standby players, with Riyan Parag earmarked as the replacement should any injury occur.
Selectors under fire over Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from Asia Cup 2025 squad
When questioned about the controversial omission during Tuesday’s press conference, Agarkar’s response only fueled the controversy further. “It’s unfortunate that Shreyas Iyer misses out. It’s no fault of his, but neither ours. He has to wait for his chance,” the chief selector stated, before challenging media persons with: “Got to tell me who he can replace?”
This defensive stance has backfired spectacularly, with fans questioning the logic behind retaining certain players over someone who had just delivered one of the most dominant IPL campaigns in recent memory. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar didn’t mince words during his analysis on Star Sports, suggesting there might be more than meets the eye: “Maybe he is not liked as much as someone else“.
Aakash Chopra, meanwhile, highlighted the positional dilemma, noting that team selection was based on specific roles in the playing XI. However, this explanation has done little to pacify supporters who believe Iyer’s recent form warranted serious consideration, especially given his Player of the Match performance in his last T20I appearance against Australia.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: ‘Who can he replace?’: Ajit Agarkar drops a bombshell on Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s squad
Here’s how fans reacted:
NO SHREYAS IYER AND YASHASVI JAISWAL IN INDIA SQUAD FOR ASIA CUP pic.twitter.com/BWey7diWfz
— Manmohan (@GarhManmohan) August 19, 2025
Gut feeling Shreyas will replace someone in 2026 T20 WC https://t.co/lQZiDHIQMq
— Mallikarjuna (@veerutherocker) August 19, 2025
Throw some light on
What happened between gautam gambhir/ajit agarkar and shreyas iyer ?Why shreyas iyer is not being picked ! He is almost captain material for India ODI’s & T20’s for sure but not being found a place in the team
— Ravi N (@inr4477) August 19, 2025
Disrespectful towards Shreyas who has been a top player and should be included in the Indian team https://t.co/LQprhdLYN6
— Arun Chowdhury (@Arun_Chowdhury) August 19, 2025
– Most Runs in Champions Trophy
– More Runs than Shubman Gill in WC
– Reached IPL Finals being Top Run Scorer of TeamGautam Gambhir is just jealous of him. There is not even a single reason to drop Shreyas Iyer. pic.twitter.com/5yNZ4frwML
— Nandini Chaar (@ndccomputers) August 19, 2025
The main man of India’s champions trophy winning squad in 2025 Shreyas Iyer not picked for Asia cup 2025 . pic.twitter.com/ODSKbgRvMX
— Cric Observer (@Cricobserver21) August 19, 2025
Shreyas Iyer ko squad se bahar rakhna unfair lagta hai
Stay strong Iyer #AsiaCupsquad #iyer #gill
— ROMEO (@ROMEO_77R) August 19, 2025
No one……
Shreyas iyer #Asiacup l #AsiaCupsquad pic.twitter.com/LjCYBrlRe1
— lallantop memes (@AmitSah36414000) August 19, 2025
Shreyas iyer and yashasvi jaiswal looking for their names in Asia cup squad pic.twitter.com/adbSo6zI7s
— Homelander DudhWala (@NotHomelander1) August 19, 2025
Highly disappointed that Axar lost his vice captaincy. Shreyas Iyer’s ommission was incredible too. #AsiaCupsquad #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/D7gW7WYJpP
— Wasay Habib (@wwasay) August 19, 2025
A case built for Shreyas on performance in the IPL 2025 and Champions Trophy
The statistical evidence supporting Iyer’s inclusion is overwhelming. His IPL 2025 numbers tell a compelling story – 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33, with six half-centuries and a highest score of 97 not out. This strike rate of 175.07 ranks among the highest ever recorded by players scoring over 600 runs in an IPL season, placing him alongside legends like Chris Gayle and Suryakumar Yadav.
Beyond the IPL heroics, Iyer was India’s leading run-scorer in the Champions Trophy with 243 runs in five matches, playing a crucial role in the team’s title triumph. His T20I career statistics – 1,104 runs in 51 matches at an average of 30.66 with a strike rate of 136.12 – further underscore his credentials in the shortest format.
The selection becomes even more puzzling when considering India’s middle-order composition. With Suryakumar leading the side and Tilak Varma established at number three, there appeared to be room for an experienced finisher like Iyer. Instead, the selectors have opted for a squad that, while talented, lacks the proven big-match temperament that Iyer brings to high-pressure situations.
The exclusion has sparked intense debate about selection transparency and consistency, with fans across social media platforms expressing their disappointment using hashtags and heated discussions. The controversy threatens to overshadow what should have been a routine squad announcement, highlighting the passionate investment of Indian cricket supporters in team selection decisions. As India prepares for the Asia Cup beginning September 9 in the UAE, the Iyer saga serves as a reminder of the fine margins that separate selection from rejection at international level.
Also READ: Fans react as BCCI appoints Shubman Gill as vice-captain in India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025
