‘Not Our Fault’: Ajit Agarkar Explains Shreyas Iyer’s Omission from Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Ajit Agarkar says Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup 2025 omission is about team balance, not form, and World Cup doors remain open
Shreyas Iyer has been left out of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 despite an impressive IPL season, but chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said the decision should not be seen as final.
While addressing the media, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said that it not of his or captain Suryakumar Yadav’s fault that Shreyas is not in the India squad for the Asia Cup but because the players chosen had already delivered in recent games. “The selected group has proven itself,” he explained, while stressing that Iyer still has time to push for a place in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
India have 15 T20Is lined up after the Asia Cup, with five each against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. These matches could provide further opportunities for players like Iyer to stake their claim.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra said the selection call was made with the team’s balance in mind. He explained that it was about fitting into specific positions in the playing XI, not just individual form. Abhishek Nayar echoed this view, saying the squad picked is “so role-specific that you can identify 12 players straightaway.”
While Iyer’s absence has drawn attention, the selectors appear focused on clarity of roles and continuity as India build towards the 2026 T20 World Cup.
