"Not Team Player": Shreyas Iyer Faces Shock Asia Cup
Where is Shreyas Iyer now? The accomplished cricketer reportedly declined the West Zone captaincy in the Duleep Trophy, though he remains available for the tournament. Interestingly, Iyer was expecting a call-up for the Asia Cup 2025 and had been planning to begin his white-ball training with personal coach Pravin Amre. Former South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has added fuel to the controversy by suggesting that off-field factors might have influenced this decision, specifically questioning what Shreyas Iyer cricketer offers in the dressing room. This latest news about the in-form batter has polarized opinion, with several former players criticizing the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for this puzzling omission.
AB de Villiers questions Iyer’s exclusion
Former South African cricket star AB de Villiers has raised eyebrows with his candid analysis of Shreyas Iyer's shock omission from India's Asia Cup squad. In his recent YouTube video, de Villiers suggested that Iyer's exclusion might stem from factors beyond his on-field performance.
"I'm hearing some whispers that he's not a team player," de Villiers stated bluntly. "That may be the reason he's not in the squad. It's not about his batting ability - we all know he's talented. It's about what he brings to the dressing room."
The cricket legend, known for his forthright opinions, furthermore questioned Iyer's contributions to team dynamics. "Sometimes selectors look beyond statistics. They want players who add value to the environment, who lift others around them," he added.
These comments have gained significant traction in cricket circles, especially considering de Villiers' respected status in international cricket. His remarks align with growing speculation that Iyer's relationship with team management may have deteriorated in recent months.
Cricket analysts have noted that while Iyer's batting statistics remain impressive, the "team player" aspect highlighted by de Villiers could indeed be a decisive factor in selection decisions. Additionally, de Villiers emphasized that modern cricket teams increasingly prioritize dressing room harmony alongside technical skills when making tough selection calls.
Shreyas Iyer declines Duleep Trophy captaincy
In a surprising development prior to the Asia Cup squad announcement, Shreyas Iyer turned down an opportunity to lead the West Zone team in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. According to reports, the Mumbai batter was the first choice for captaincy but declined the role as he was anticipating selection for the Asia Cup 2025.
Following Iyer's refusal, the West Zone selection committee, headed by Sanjay Patil, approached all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who readily accepted the leadership responsibility. Thakur is also tipped to captain the Mumbai team in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season after Ajinkya Rahane stepped down.
Prior to the selection announcement, Iyer had begun white-ball training with his personal coach Pravin Amre at the MCA indoor facility in Bandra-Kurla Complex and the Cricket Club of India. His expectation of an India call-up wasn't entirely unfounded, as several cricket analysts considered him a strong contender for a T20I recall – his first since December 2023.
The timing conflict between tournaments likely influenced his decision. West Zone, the defending champions, are scheduled to play directly in the Duleep Trophy semi-finals from September 4-7 in Bengaluru, whereas the Asia Cup begins on September 9. Nevertheless, despite declining the captaincy offer, Iyer has made himself available to play for West Zone in the tournament.
Experts and fans react to selection snub
Sanjay Manjrekar has labeled Shreyas Iyer's omission from the Asia Cup squad as "just shocking," highlighting how Iyer didn't put a foot wrong in his comeback series against England and maintained exceptional form throughout IPL 2025 with an average over 50 and a strike rate above 170.
Former India coach Abhishek Nayar expressed disbelief, stating he "can't fathom what reason could justify Shreyas Iyer not being part of the 20-member squad". Notably, even Australian cricketers were stunned, with Alyssa Healy exclaiming "OH MY GOD!" upon hearing the news.
Brad Haddin, who worked with Iyer at Punjab Kings, was equally surprised: "I thought he was going to be captain... he brings leadership qualities and performs under pressure".
Iyer's father voiced frustration, questioning: "I don't know what else Shreyas has to do to make it to the Indian T20 team". He noted that his son led PBKS to the IPL final after scoring 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.
Consequently, fans erupted on social media with comments like "Shame on BCCI" and accusations of "dirty internal politics".
The BCCI defended the decision through a source who told Times of India: "A seasoned player like Shreyas can't be named in the reserves... If you pick him, he plays in the XI".
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from India's Asia Cup squad certainly represents one of cricket's most puzzling selection decisions in recent memory. Despite his outstanding IPL performances and leadership qualities, the talented middle-order batsman now watches from the sidelines while questions about his future linger. AB de Villiers' comments about Iyer potentially not being a "team player" have added another dimension to this controversy, suggesting factors beyond statistics might influence selection decisions.
The cricket community has responded with overwhelming surprise and support for Iyer. Experts like Sanjay Manjrekar and Abhishek Nayar, alongside numerous fans, have expressed disbelief at his omission. Even Australian cricketers seem baffled by the decision. Meanwhile, Iyer himself appears focused on moving forward, making himself available for the Duleep Trophy despite declining its captaincy.
This situation ultimately highlights the complex nature of team selection, where talent alone doesn't guarantee a spot. BCCI's justification that "a seasoned player like Shreyas can't be named in the reserves" only partially addresses the questions surrounding this decision. Time will tell whether this proves a temporary setback or a more significant turning point in Iyer's international career. Cricket fans, nevertheless, will continue to follow his journey closely as he works to reclaim his place in India's white-ball setup.
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