Despite standout performances in the IPL 2025 season, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer have been left out of India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. Their omission has sparked widespread debate, with fans and experts questioning the selection criteria and calling it an unfair decision.
Stellar IPL 2025 Campaigns Ignored
Yashasvi Jaiswal had a phenomenal season, particularly in the powerplay overs. The young left-hander scored at a strike rate of 177.4 in the first six overs, smashing a boundary every 3.1 deliveries. His explosive starts played a crucial role in his team’s success throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer not only piled up 604 runs at an average of 50.33 but also showcased exceptional leadership. He captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) to their first IPL final since 2014, where they narrowly lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His ability to anchor innings and adapt under pressure was evident all season long.
Despite these achievements, neither player found a place in India’s Asia Cup lineup.
Ashwin Slams Selectors: “Extremely Sad and Unfair”
Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin voiced strong disappointment over the snub, calling it “extremely sad and unfair.” In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out Iyer’s journey from being released by KKR to leading PBKS to the finals.
“He overcame the short-ball issue and was comfortably hitting bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah,” Ashwin said. “He made Punjab win crucial games. And yet, somehow, this went unnoticed during selection.”
Ashwin also empathized with Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose selfless batting and consistency have made him a fan favorite. He questioned whether players should continue being team-first when such performances are overlooked.
“Should they keep playing for the team or start playing for themselves? Because both of them are incredibly selfless. Even if they’re on 46, they’ll put the team first,” he added.
Agarkar Explains Jaiswal’s Exclusion
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar offered reasoning behind Jaiswal’s omission, pointing to the inclusion of Abhishek Sharma in the squad. According to Agarkar, Sharma’s recent performances for India, coupled with his ability to bowl, gave him the edge.
“Unfortunately for Yashasvi, Abhishek has done really well and adds value with the ball. We could only take one of the two,” Agarkar explained during the press conference.
While the explanation may hold merit from a team-balance perspective, many feel that form and performance in the biggest T20 league should have held more weight.
