Since its announcement, India's Asia Cup squad has become a major talking point for the cricket pundits and fans alike, especially Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the 15-member fold. Many are questioning the selectors' rationale, given Iyer's consistent and impressive performance across all formats in recent times.
The 30-year-old's form in 2025 has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Mumbai batsman was a key player in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victorious campaign, finishing as the team's second-highest run-scorer. His excellent run continued in the IPL 2025, where he was among the leading run-getters while also captaining the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Despite these stellar performances, his name is conspicuously missing from both the 15-member squad and the list of reserves for the upcoming tournament.
Brad Haddin calls Shreyas Iyer's omission from India's Asia Cup squad 'strange'
The selectors' surprising move has ignited fiery discussions among former cricketers. Brad Haddin, the former Australian cricketer and assistant coach for PBKS, openly voiced his shock. Haddin, who worked closely with Iyer during the IPL, expressed his disbelief that the PBKS captain was left out, citing his exceptional ability to handle pressure and his role as a team energizer. The coach had even anticipated that Iyer would be part of India's leadership group for the tournament.
Haddin did not mince words, labeling Iyer’s omission a strange decision that could potentially backfire on the Indian team during the tournament. He also hinted at the possibility of internal team politics playing a role in the decision.
“Well, one, leadership qualities. Two, the style of player he is under pressure, and he's someone that everyone plays better with when he's on the team. I had no idea. I first thought when I was reading it that he was injured, but he's not. So, it's a strange decision for me because he brings so much to the game. I actually thought he was going to be captain. Extraordinary selection,” Haddin said.
India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel