The selection of India's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has stirred controversy, particularly surrounding the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer. While Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain, the omission of Iyer, despite his impressive performances, has led to questions being raised about the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) selection policies.
Shreyas Iyer's exclusion has sparked fiery reactions, with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar hinting at BCCI politics influencing the selection. Nayar expressed his disappointment, questioning the justification for Iyer's absence and suggesting that personal preferences might be playing a role. He stated, "Maybe Shreyas Iyer is not liked as much as someone else". This statement has reignited the debate around BCCI's selection policies, with many questioning whether performance is the sole criterion or if personal preferences have a greater influence.
Iyer's father, Santosh Iyer, has also voiced his frustration, questioning what more his son needs to do to earn a place in the Indian T20 team. He highlighted Iyer's consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has excelled as a captain for various teams, including leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and Punjab Kings to the final in 2025. Despite these achievements, Iyer has not found a place in the national T20 squad, leaving his father bewildered.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the decision, citing the need for balance within the squad. He explained that only 15 players could be selected and that Iyer would have to wait for his opportunity. Agarkar also mentioned that the inclusion of Abhishek Sharma and the exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal were decisions made to balance batting depth with bowling options.
However, critics argue that Iyer's recent form warrants his inclusion in the squad. In IPL 2025, Iyer amassed 604 runs in 17 matches at a striking rate of 175.07, showcasing his ability to score quickly and consistently. Despite these impressive numbers, he was not selected, leading to accusations of "dirty politics" and questioning the selectors' judgment.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has also questioned the inclusion of Harshit Rana in the squad, arguing that his record does not justify a place in the 15-member team. Chopra suggested that Prasidh Krishna, the IPL 2025 Purple Cap winner, and Mohammed Siraj, with his recent form in England, were more deserving candidates. He pointed out that Rana's IPL 2025 season was underwhelming, with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 10.18, and that his numbers do not seem strong enough to warrant a place in the side.
Shubman Gill's selection as vice-captain has also raised eyebrows, especially considering that he has not been a regular member of the T20I squad. While Gill has been in good form, his selection has created uncertainty around Sanju Samson's position in the team, despite Samson's inclusion in the squad.
The Asia Cup 2025 squad selection has highlighted the challenges faced by the BCCI in balancing talent and team composition. With numerous talented players vying for limited spots, difficult decisions have to be made, leading to controversies and debates. Ultimately, the team's performance in the Asia Cup will determine whether the selectors' choices were justified.
