India’s squad announcement for the Asia Cup 2025 has dominated headlines, less for its star-studded lineup and more for the high-profile exclusions of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Both had enjoyed stellar seasons in the IPL, yet neither finds a place in Suryakumar Yadav’s 15-member team for the tournament in the UAE, causing significant debate and drawing sharp reactions from fans and experts alike.
India Asia Cup 2025 Squad
The full squad as announced by the BCCI:
Standby: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel.
Suryakumar Yadav returns as captain, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain, and India’s campaign will begin on September 10 against the UAE, followed by the marquee clash with Pakistan on September 14.
Shreyas Iyer’s Exclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s omission was particularly surprising given his record:
- Completed IPL 2025 with 604 runs
- Since the 2024 T20 World Cup victory: 949 runs in 26 T20Is, average 49.94, strike rate 179.73, including one century and seven fifties.
Despite this recent success, Iyer was not listed even among reserves. The logic behind his exclusion has left many perplexed, especially since others with below-par seasons, such as Rinku Singh, retained their places. Former cricketers, notably Irfan Pathan and Ravi Ashwin, expressed disappointment and questioned the selectors’ criteria, with Ashwin directly calling it “sad and unfair.” They noted Iyer’s crucial role in India’s middle-order stability and leadership potential, suggesting his absence is not strictly based on form or merit.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Omission
Jaiswal’s exclusion was also unexpected:
- IPL consistency: Over 1,619 runs since 2023 at a strike rate of 160.13
- 23 T20Is, 723 runs, strike rate 164.31—third highest among Indian batters with 500+ runs in the format.
He is included only among standbys after serving as the backup opener for the T20 World Cup last year. Selectors noted that “one of [Abhishek Sharma or Jaiswal] was always going to miss out,” with Sharma’s recent all-rounder performances and ability to bowl tipping the balance. Shubman Gill, meanwhile, returned after a year out despite a career T20I strike rate notably lower than Jaiswal’s (139.27 vs. 164.31), and was immediately made vice-captain.
Former cricketer Madan Lal, among others, voiced surprise at leaving out such a match-winner, particularly as Jaiswal suited the T20 format and had strong IPL performances to his name.
Selection Dilemma and Debates
The exclusion of two of India’s highest T20 run-getters this season has prompted questions about the principles guiding selection. With Iyer and Jaiswal outperforming several picks but losing out to team balance or leadership preferences, many are left wondering if current form is truly the main criterion, or if other factors such as role fit or seniority carry extra weight. This has led to a chorus of debate within Indian cricket circles, with fans and former players demanding transparency and further justification from the selectors.
Conclusion
While India field a strong squad and remain tournament favorites, the controversy around Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s omissions has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the selection process. Their absence—despite outstanding domestic and international T20 form highlights the complexity and subjectivity inherent in team selection for major tournaments. The Asia Cup 2025 will not only test India’s cricketing depth but also the selectors’ resolve and judgment when the team takes the field in September.
