The flamboyant Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer has expressed his frustration after being excluded from India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which kicks off on September 9 in the UAE. Despite being in top form and showcasing exceptional leadership in recent IPL seasons, Iyer’s omission has sparked widespread debate among fans and cricket pundits alike.
Stellar IPL Form Makes Omission Hard to Justify
Although Iyer hasn’t played a T20I since early 2024, his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have been nothing short of spectacular. He led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a long-awaited title in 2024 and then captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final in 2025, where they narrowly lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The numbers back up his claim for a national spot. Over the last two IPL seasons, Iyer has scored 955 runs in 31 innings at an average of 45.48, boasting a blistering strike rate of 163.5. His consistency and ability to deliver under pressure have made him one of the most talked-about players in the T20 circuit.
On the international stage, Iyer has already played 51 T20Is, scoring 1104 runs at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12. While his earlier performances were solid, his recent form suggests he’s taken his game to a whole new level.
Iyer Opens Up on Mindset and Integrity
Speaking on the iQOOO Podcast, Iyer didn’t hold back about his feelings:
“It is only frustrating when you know that you deserve to be in the team. That’s when it hurts.
But when someone else is performing and helping the team win, you support them. The ultimate goal is for the team to win.”
Despite the disappointment, Iyer emphasized the importance of preparation and integrity, highlighting that one must continue working hard even when not in the spotlight.
“It’s not like you have to perform only when someone is watching. Even when no one is watching, you have to keep doing your work. That’s integrity,” he added.
Iyer’s mature outlook and strong mindset are evident in how he handles setbacks. He believes consistent preparation is key to success:
“If your preparation is on point, failure can only happen once or twice — not more. That I have experienced.”
A New Opportunity in Red-Ball Cricket
Though missing out on the Asia Cup and the England Test series earlier this year, Iyer has not been completely sidelined. He has been appointed captain of India A for the upcoming two-match series against Australia A, signaling a possible return to the national red-ball setup.
His recent performances in domestic cricket further strengthen his case. Iyer scored 480 runs in his last seven Ranji Trophy innings at an average of 68.57 and a strike rate of 90.2, showcasing his readiness for a Test comeback.
His last Test appearance came in February 2024, but with India set to host West Indies and South Africa for two-Test series each in October and November, a return to whites may be just around the corner for the talented right-hander.
