Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed disappointment over the absence of middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer in the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Ganguly stated that Iyer deserved a spot in the squad ahead of Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma, given his consistent white-ball performances and leadership credentials.
Shreyas Iyer’s omission from India’s Asia Cup squad drew criticism. He was not included in the 20-member list, including five reserves, despite his strong form. However, the selection committee later appointed the Mumbai batter as captain of India A for two multi-day matches against Australia A this month.
Surprised Not to See Shreyas Iyer in Asia Cup Squad – Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise over Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Asia Cup squad. He said he cannot understand why the Mumbai batter has been left out of white-ball teams. Ganguly added that Iyer should have been selected ahead of Rinku Singh or Jitesh Sharma.
Your daily dose of cricket!
“I am surprised not to see Iyer in the Asia Cup squad. Whenever I don’t see him in a white-ball squad, I am taken aback. He has played such brilliant innings in the IPL and has been a great captain,” Ganguly said while speaking to Anandabazar Patrika.
“You cannot omit Iyer from white-ball teams. He deserves a spot ahead of Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma. We have Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper, so why would we still not bring in Iyer?” he added.
Shreyas Iyer – The Leading Run-Getter For Punjab Kings in IPL 2025
Shreyas Iyer was the leading run-getter for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025, where his team reached the final but lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He scored 604 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 175.07 and had previously led Kolkata Knight Riders to the 2024 IPL title.
The 30-year-old last played for India in T20Is against Australia in December 2023, scoring 53 off 37 balls in Bengaluru. He has amassed 1,104 runs in 51 matches at a strike rate of 136.12, including eight fifties.
Iyer was also the second-highest run-getter in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He scored 243 runs in five innings at an average of 48.60 and a strike rate of 79.41, including two fifties with a top score of 79.
India Set to Face Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Clash On Sunday
India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a nine-wicket win over the UAE. The Men in Blue will face Pakistan in the sixth Group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14.
Team India enter the contest as favorites, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, along with Jasprit Bumrah, expected to play a crucial role with the ball. The side also has enough batting firepower to challenge any opposition.
India have a strong record against Pakistan in T20Is, winning nine of their 13 encounters. Pakistan have three victories and one tie. India lead 3-2 in recent meetings, giving them a psychological advantage ahead of the clash.
Also read: India-Pakistan combined XI announced; no Pakistan player included
