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Shreyas Iyer<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s exclusion from India<\/strong>\u2019s Asia Cup 2025<\/strong> squad has triggered intense debate across the cricketing fraternity. Despite guiding Punjab Kings<\/strong> to their first IPL final in over a decade and emerging as India\u2019s leading run-scorer in the Champions Trophy 2025<\/strong>, the 30-year-old finds himself sidelined \u2014 a decision that has baffled both fans and experts alike.<\/p>\n Shreyas\u2019 father, Santosh Iyer<\/strong>, voiced his frustration in a candid conversation with Times of India, questioning the selectors\u2019 logic behind the omission.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what else Shreyas has to do to make it to the Indian T20 team<\/em>,\u201d he lamented.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has been performing so well in the IPL year after year, from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders to Punjab Kings, and that too as captain,<\/em>\u201d Santosh stated.<\/p>\n The numbers back his claim. In IPL 2025, Shreyas piled up 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and a staggering strike rate of 175.07, registering six fifties while leading PBKS to the final. Just a season earlier, he had captained Kolkata Knight Riders<\/strong> to the IPL 2024 title. Yet, the selectors not only excluded him from the 15-member squad but also left him out of the reserves.<\/p>\n Santosh\u2019s anguish was clear as he added, \u201cI\u2019m not saying make him the Indian captain, but at least select him in the team<\/em>.\u201d His words echo the frustration of many fans and former players, with ex-assistant coach Abhishek Nayar<\/strong> even hinting that selection can sometimes come down to personal preferences.<\/p>\n Also READ:\u00a0Ravichandran Ashwin brutally slams BCCI over Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal\u2019s exclusion from India squad in Asia Cup 2025<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Amidst the noise, Shreyas himself has remained remarkably composed. According to his father, the batter refuses to indulge in blame games or outbursts.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if he\u2019s left out of the Indian team, he doesn\u2019t show dissent. He\u2019ll just say: \u2018Mera naseeb hai (it\u2019s my luck). You can\u2019t do anything now.\u2019 He\u2019s always cool and calm. He doesn\u2019t blame anybody,<\/em>\u201d Santosh revealed.<\/p>\n This quiet acceptance highlights Shreyas\u2019 mental strength, though his father admitted that deep inside, the disappointment must be real. His calmness, however, has only earned him greater respect among fans, who see his dignified response as a reflection of his character.<\/p>\n The exclusion looks even more questionable when weighed against his recent record. Shreyas topped India\u2019s charts in the Champions Trophy 2025, scoring 243 runs in five innings and finishing as the tournament\u2019s second-highest overall scorer. He has also led Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy<\/strong>, further showcasing his consistency across formats.<\/p>\n Chief selector Ajit Agarkar<\/strong><\/a> defended the call, stating, \u201cWith regards to Shreyas, there\u2019s no fault of his \u2014 nor is it ours. It\u2019s just that we can only pick 15, and at the moment, he might have to wait for his chance.<\/em>\u201d Meanwhile, cricket analysts like Aakash Chopra<\/strong> remain optimistic, predicting that Iyer will return in time for the T20 World Cup, with 15 T20Is still left before the marquee event.<\/p>\n For now, Shreyas\u2019s omission stands as one of the most hotly debated selection decisions in recent memory. His father\u2019s anguish and his own graceful acceptance add emotional depth to a story that underscores both the unpredictability of Indian cricket selections and the resilience required to survive them.<\/p>\nShreyas Iyer\u2019s father voiced his anguish over son\u2019s absence in India\u2019s Asia Cup squad<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cHe doesn\u2019t blame anybody\u201d: Santosh on his son\u2019s approach in life<\/h2>\n