India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed Iyer’s absence during the squad announcement, clarifying: “With regards to Shreyas, it's not his fault, nor is it ours. It's just that you can pick 15, and at the moment you'll have to wait for his chance." What surprised Kaif more was that Shreyas couldn't even find a seat in the reserves list
Mohammad Kaif. Pic/AFP
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced strong criticism against the national selectors and team management for omitting Shreyas Iyer from India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Iyer, who led Punjab Kings (PBKS) to an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign as captain, was one of the standout performers this season. His exclusion from the Asia Cup squad has triggered widespread backlash from fans and former players alike.
Kaif joined the growing chorus of support for the 30-year-old batter, expressing his confusion over the decision. "Shreyas Iyer's name didn't come up; the selectors said that it was a difficult task to fit him since only 15 could be selected. I can understand all that. I approve of you in this. But even after praising him, his name wasn't even in the standbys," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed Iyer’s absence during the squad announcement, clarifying: “With regards to Shreyas, it's not his fault, nor is it ours. It's just that you can pick 15, and at the moment you'll have to wait for his chance."
What surprised Kaif more was that Shreyas couldn't even find a seat in the reserves list. The former gun-fielder questioned the logic behind Dhruv Jurel being named in the reserves despite the presence of wicketkeepers Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma.
"There is Jaiswal in the list, and you have Jurel. There is no need for Jurel. If the selectors really like Iyer, he should have been named in the standbys. If someone got injured, he could've gone there," he said.
"You won't see Shreyas Iyer in the Asia Cup, which I think was wrong. His name should be in the standbys 100 per cent. Speaking of Jurel, you see Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson are already there in the squad. You pick Jurel there, and kept Parag in the standbys. I think there is no justice with Shreyas Iyer," he added.
Iyer’s exclusion has raised further eyebrows in light of his recent performances. Iyer was India’s top scorer and the second-highest overall run-getter in the 2025 Champions Trophy, amassing 243 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 48.60. He struck two half-centuries, with a highest score of 79.
In the 2025 IPL, Iyer carried his form forward, finishing as the sixth-highest run-scorer. Leading the Punjab Kings, he piled up 604 runs in 17 innings at an average of 50.33 and a blistering strike rate of 175.07. His campaign featured six fifties, with a best score of 97*.
Another selection that drew attention was the inclusion of explosive all-rounder Rinku Singh. Despite a quiet IPL season with Kolkata Knight Riders, Rinku managed to retain his place in the squad.
"Rinku Singh's selection, in my opinion, is because in the UPT20 League, he is bowling in the tournament as well. Since Washington Sundar is not in the 15-member squad, even Rinku Singh can bowl 2-3 overs on the UAE pitch," he said.
India will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10, while the high-voltage game against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, with both fixtures set to be played in Dubai. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
Team India squad for Asia Cup: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Reserve players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
(With ANI inputs)
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