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Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup exclusion has stunned Alyssa Healy, Brad Haddin and fans as Ajit Agarkar cited tough T20 choices for India’s team.
Shreyas Iyer last played a T20I for India on December 3, 2023. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Even the Australian media was left astonished by star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Asia Cup squad, with Alyssa Healy taken aback by the decision made by the Indian team management, which has left fans and former cricketers disappointed equally.
Iyer, 30, was omitted from the 15-member team for the continental showpiece, announced on Tuesday by BCCI selection chief Ajit Agarkar, a decision that sent ripples across the Indian cricket fraternity.
Shreyas’ father, Santosh, questioned what more his son had to prove, while former India coach Abhishek Nayar criticised Agarkar, alleging favouritism.
Even Healy and former Australia cricketer Brad Haddin struggled to make sense of Iyer’s omission.
“Shreyas Iyer, out of the side. What the…,” Adam Peacock, host of the LiSTNR Sport podcast, said. “Oh my God,” Healy exclaimed. “What has happened there?” Haddin questioned. “It’s a Punjab conspiracy,” Peacock said.
“Well, one. Leadership qualities. Two, the style of player that he is under pressure. And he’s someone whose presence gets everyone to play better. I have no idea. When I was reading it, I first thought that he was injured,” Haddin said.
“Extraordinary,” Peacock added.
Iyer, who had a brilliant domestic season and led his Indian Premier League team Punjab Kings, into the final as well, couldn’t find a place in the 15-member team announced earlier this week.
This was a season after guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders to a trophy-winning campaign. Agarkar blamed it on the abundance of T20 talent that makes it tough to accommodate Iyer.
“We have got some serious options in the T20 squad…sometimes not the easiest squad to pick but good headache to have,” Agarkar said.
The Asia Cup will be played in T20 format beginning September 9 in the United Arab Emirates.
Iyer, who has played 51 T20Is for India, has scored 1104 runs at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12. His last appearance in the format came against Australia in December 2023.
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