Reason Clarified: Exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer from India's Asia Cup Team Roster
In a surprising turn of events, Shreyas Iyer, who led the Punjab Kings to the final of the 2025 IPL, has been left out of India's Asia Cup squad for the T20I tournament next month. This decision, despite Iyer's improved T20 performance in the last IPL season, has sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts.
Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, hinted that the option for the opener was between Abhishek Sharma and Jaiswal, with Shubman Gill being a certainty. Gill, who last played a T20I in July 2024, has been named the vice-captain of the India team for the Asia Cup, taking over from Axar Patel.
Suryakumar Yadav, another contender for the squad, has secured the No.3 and No.4 slots, respectively, leaving no vacant spots for Iyer. Suryakumar's consistent performance in the IPL is undeniable. He finished the 2025 IPL with 604 runs, only Chris Gayle (2011) and Suryakumar (2023) have made more at a better strike rate. Suryakumar's strike rate of 175 in the 2025 IPL was an improvement from 146.86 in the previous year.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar and Tilak Varma's solid performances have ensured their places in the squad. Suryakumar has made more runs than Jaiswal at a better strike rate in the last few years of IPL. Jaiswal, who has played 118 T20s, striking at 151.67, and has made 723 runs in 23 T20Is, including one hundred and five fifties, has been left out of the squad. Jaiswal's strike rate of 164.31 is the third-highest amongst all India batters who have made at least 500 runs in the format.
The reason for Iyer's exclusion remains unclear. Ajit Agarkar cited lack of batting positions as the reason, but the specifics of this statement have not been elaborated upon. Abhishek Sharma, who can bowl a little bit, giving the team an option if required by the captain, might have been chosen to fill one of the batting positions.
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