India’s decision to omit Shreyas Iyer from the Asia Cup 2025 squad has stirred a major controversy in the cricketing world. Once seen as a key figure in India’s T20 setup, Iyer’s absence has prompted sharp reactions from several former international cricketers, who called the decision “unfair” and “surprising.”
Brad Haddin Shocked by Iyer’s Exclusion, Tipped Him as Future Captain
Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin was vocal about his disappointment during a recent episode of the Willow Talk podcast. According to Haddin, Iyer’s performance in the IPL 2025, where he led Punjab Kings (PBKS), had earmarked him as a potential captain for India in the T20 format.
“Well, one, leadership qualities. Two, the style of player he is under pressure. He’s someone that everyone plays better with when he’s in the team. I had no idea. I first thought when I was reading it that he was injured, but he was 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,” Haddin told Indian Express.
Iyer captained two different teams to back-to-back IPL finals in 2024 and 2025, showcasing not just his leadership but also consistency under pressure—qualities that many believe are missing in India’s current T20 setup.
Ross Taylor and Farveez Maharoof Also Weigh In
New Zealand batting legend Ross Taylor, who is currently in India for the CLT10 competition, echoed similar sentiments. While he hadn’t yet reviewed the full squad, Taylor said the omission of a player of Iyer’s caliber spoke volumes about the strength of Indian cricket.
“When you can leave that type of quality out, you’ve got to be pretty comfortable with the depth of your squad,” Taylor told PTI.
Meanwhile, former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof, also present at the CLT10 event, took a direct swipe at chief selector Ajit Agarkar for how the decision was presented.
“Agarkar is just too straightforward. These two guys haven’t done anything wrong. One (Jaiswal) takes on the bowlers from ball one, while the other is a leader of men. The system in India to produce players is fantastic,” Maharoof remarked.
A Sudden Fall from Favor
Iyer last played a T20I for India in December 2023 against Australia. Since then, he has found himself increasingly sidelined—not just from T20Is, but also from the Test format, despite no visible dip in form or fitness.
This recent omission has not only baffled cricket experts but also raised questions about selection policies and long-term planning in Indian cricket, especially ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
With former players and fans alike calling for more transparency, it remains to be seen if Iyer’s exclusion is a one-off or a sign of changing dynamics in Indian cricket’s power structure.
