The omission of Hreyas Iyer in the list of 15 players who will represent India in the Asia Cup 2025 that begins on September 9 in the UAE has sparked a furor. Fans, ex-players and even Iyer himself have criticized the move with social media abuzz with memes and harsh criticism. The non-selection of Iyer, as well as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mohammed Siraj, is a major cause of concern given the fact the Asian Cricket Council allows teams to have a squad of 17 players. With a big prize T20 tournament just around the corner, the argument of who is selected and who is left out is getting hotter and hotter with the stakes being team strategy and player careers.
Why Iyer’s Exclusion Hurts
The decision to leave out Shreyas Iyer, a proven middle-order batter with a T20I average of 33.22 and a knack for anchoring chases, has baffled many. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the call, saying, “We can only pick 15, and at the moment, he will have to wait for his chance.” But with the Asia Cup rules allowing 17 players, critics argue the selectors missed a chance to bolster the squad.
His recent performance, such as a match-winning 73 not out in the IPL 2025 final, secured Iyer a good chance. To those fans that want to follow the performance of the Indian squad, they can access ex bet and see the developments in the events of the tournament. The backlash was further intensified when even R Ashwin and Irfan Pathan joined in to question how both Iyer and Jaiswal could be left out even with their credentials.
The selectors’ reasoning hinges on balance. Agarkar pointed to Abhishek Sharma’s inclusion, citing his recent performances and part-time bowling as a tactical edge. A BCCI source added that the team felt “all bases were covered” with 15 players, avoiding the clutter of a larger squad. But former chief selector MSK Prasad disagrees, arguing that Iyer’s experience and Siraj’s pace, especially after his Player of the Match performance in the 2023 Asia Cup final, warranted inclusion.
The Asia Cup’s Flexible Rules
The Asian Cricket Council’s guidelines clearly state: “Each squad will comprise seventeen players and eight team officials.” This regulation which aims at giving teams flexibility has come under the spotlight of selectors of India. Pakistan and Hong Kong have chosen 17-member teams in a bid to ensure a good depth to deal with the uncertainty of T20 format.
The fact that India has decided to remain with the 15, however, indicates that they have a close team, even though it can leave out game-changers like Iyer. It is also a part of a larger plan: not having a bench pressure, when numerous reserves disrupt the starting eleven. However, the team can ill afford the calm-under-fire batting of Iyer in the upcoming games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Voices of Dissent and Support
Social media has been relentless, with fans posting memes and cryptic jabs at the selection committee. Santosh Iyer, Shreyas’s father, publicly questioned the logic, while posts on X called the decision “short-sighted” and “unfair.” Here are three key points for the selectors to consider moving forward:
- Flexibility in squad size could allow for players like Iyer to provide depth without disrupting the XI.
- Iyer’s T20 nous, especially against spin, aligns with UAE conditions, where dew aids slower bowlers.
- Clear communication about omissions can reduce public backlash and clarify team strategy.
A Bigger Role for Pragyan Ojha
Adding another layer to the Asia Cup narrative, former India spinner Pragyan Ojha joins the tournament’s technical committee. At 38, with 24 Tests and 18 ODIs under his belt, Ojha brings credibility to the panel, which oversees rules, match officials, and mid-tournament replacements. His role ensures disputes, like potential squad changes, are handled fairly.
Ojha’s experience, including stints on the IPL Governing Council, makes him a steady hand, but it also highlights the scrutiny on India’s selections. If injuries arise, could the committee approve a late call-up for someone like Iyer? It’s a slim chance, but one fans are clinging to.
What Lies Ahead for Iyer and India
The Iyer conundrum exposes the tough choices selectors face in a talent-rich country. In such a small space, someone is always going to be left out but leaving out a player of the calibre of Iyer is taking a risk. India will face an Asia Cup starting September 10 against Bangladesh where the team will be put to test.
Should the team underperform, and especially in the high-stakes Pakistan match on September 14, the absence of Iyer will be brought up even more loudly. In the meantime, Iyer will have to wait, probably till the IPL or the domestic cricket season to make his way back in. As India aims for regional glory, the selectors’ bet on a lean squad must pay off, or the uproar over Iyer’s omission will echo well beyond the UAE.
