Shreyas Iyer “Not Liked As Much As…”: On Asia Cup Snub Reason, Ex-India Coach Drops Bombshell

Shreyas Iyer "Not Liked As Much As...": On Asia Cup Snub Reason, Ex-India Coach Drops Bombshell

Despite top form in IPL 2025 and past heroics, Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Asia Cup squad raises serious questions—Abhishek Nayar hints at favouritism in team selection.

Shreyas Iyer Ignored Despite Stellar Form

The BCCI’s announcement of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad left fans and experts shocked—Shreyas Iyer was nowhere in the list, not even among the five standbys. This, despite a sensational IPL season and consistent international performances.

Iyer’s Form Was Hard to Ignore

  • 604 runs in 17 IPL 2025 matches
  • Strike rate of 175.07
  • Led Punjab Kings to the final
  • Among the Top 6 run-getters in the league

Still, the 29-year-old star didn’t make the cut—raising more questions than answers.

Ex-Coach Abhishek Nayar’s Explosive Take

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar didn’t hold back while reacting on Star Sports:

“I can’t fathom why Shreyas Iyer is not even in the 20-member squad. Maybe… he’s not liked as much as someone else.”

Nayar’s bold words have sent ripples across the cricketing world, hinting that selection may not always be about performance alone.

What Selectors Said

Ajit Agarkar, BCCI’s chief selector, tried to calm the storm:

“There’s no fault of his — nor is it ours. We can only pick 15. He might have to wait for his chance.”

He also commented on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s absence, calling it “unfortunate” but necessary due to squad balance and the inclusion of Abhishek Sharma, who also offers a bowling option.

Nayar Questions Selection Logic

Nayar didn’t stop there. He said Iyer’s omission sends a loud message:

“He’s not in the team’s scheme of things. Even if something goes wrong, he won’t be called. That’s the message.”

His comments have fueled theories that personal preference may have played a role, rather than just cricketing merit.

What This Means for Iyer

  • Being out of the 15 AND standby list implies longer wait time
  • Signals a lack of long-term plans involving him in T20Is
  • Opens debate on transparency and fairness in selection

Cricket or Chemistry?

This controversy brings the focus back on an age-old issue in Indian cricket:
Is selection based purely on numbers, or does internal favoritism play a role?

Shreyas Iyer’s snub has stirred up the cricketing world. With a former coach suggesting he’s “not liked enough,” the drama is only getting started. Will Iyer get his redemption? Or is this the start of a long exile?

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