20 August,2025 08:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Bipin Dani
Shreyas Iyer
In the ever-evolving theatre of Indian cricket, where competition is fierce and dreams often hinge on a crucial selection, Shreyas Iyer has once again shown why he's admired not just for his batting, but also for his strong character.
Iyer, 30, known for his elegant stroke play and calm demeanour, missed out on a spot in India's 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE. Yet, in a moment that could have been clouded by frustration, the Iyer household has chosen to be calm.
"Yes, we were hopeful of Shreyas's inclusion," Santosh Iyer, Shreyas's father, told mid-day soon after chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the Indian team at a press conference in the city.
Iyer Sr continued: "But we are choosing to look at the positives. Luck was not on Shreyas's side. Despite scoring heavily in this format, he could not find a place, but I can also understand. Who could the selectors have dropped when the other players are also performing well?"
Iyer Sr revealed that his son is disappointed too and had called him soon after the team was announced: "Yes, Shreyas was a little disappointed, but he will not show his disappointment. He is not a man who will criticise anyone. He will continue to work hard and try his best to get back into the team.
Earlier in the day, while announcing the Indian team, Agarkar too acknowledged the dilemma: "With regard to Shreyas, who can he replace? No fault of his, nor is it ours. At the moment, you can just pick 15. So he will have to wait for his chance," the chief selector said at a media conference with skipper Suryakumar Yadav by his side.
