“Captain Banane Nahi Bol Rahe But Atleast…” – Shreyas Iyer’s Father Breaks Silence After Asia Cup Snub

Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has left his father, Santosh Iyer, questioning the selectors’ decision despite his son’s consistent IPL performances.

Iyer had an outstanding season with Punjab Kings, scoring 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07 while leading the franchise to the final. Just last year, he captained Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title.

“I don’t know what else Shreyas has to do to make it to the Indian T20 team,” Santosh Iyer told The Times of India.

“He has been performing so well in the IPL year after year, from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders to Punjab Kings, and that too as a captain.”

He added that while he wasn’t asking for Shreyas to be made India’s captain, the batter deserved at least a spot in the squad.

“He even captained KKR to the IPL title in 2024 and led PBKS to the final this year. I’m not saying make him the Indian captain, but at least select him in the team.”

Despite being overlooked, Santosh said Shreyas has always handled setbacks with calmness.

“Even if he’s left out of the Indian team, he doesn’t show dissent on his face. He’ll just say: ‘Mera naseeb hai (it’s my luck)! You can’t do anything now.’ He’s always cool and calm. Deep inside, he must be naturally disappointed.”

The 30-year-old has represented India in 51 T20Is, scoring 1104 runs at a strike rate of 136.12, but hasn’t featured in the format since December 2023.