NEW DELHI– Former India opener Aakash Chopra has questioned the selectors’ decision to leave Shreyas Iyer out of both the main squad and the reserves for the upcoming Asia Cup, saying it raises doubts about the batter’s T20I future.
Iyer, who scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025 while leading Punjab Kings to the runners-up spot, was expected to be at least included among the five reserve players. His absence, Chopra argued, sends the wrong message despite his recent form and all-round improvements.
“Shreyas’ name is not even there in the five reserves, and that is surprising. It’s understandable that you couldn’t have him in the 15 as you wanted lower-order backups like Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh. But a place could have been created in the reserves at least, where you’ve kept Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Prasidh Krishna. Shreyas’ name could have been there, but it isn’t, and that doesn’t send a great signal,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra added that Iyer has already done enough to warrant consideration, citing his performances in the IPL, domestic cricket, and tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Champions Trophy. Still, he believes Iyer could yet find a way back into the national setup.
“This is the Asia Cup team. Don’t attach the World Cup with it because there are 15 T20Is after this. The world changes in 15 T20Is. If he keeps scoring runs in ODIs, sooner or later, Shreyas Iyer will be part of the team. I have a strong feeling he will be in India’s T20 World Cup squad,” Chopra said.
For now, Iyer’s next assignment will be representing West Zone in the upcoming Duleep Trophy at the start of the 2025–26 domestic season. (Source: IANS)
