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Shreyas Iyer was not picked in India’s Asia Cup T20 squad despite a strong IPL season. Irfan Pathan believes Iyer will join the T20 side and leadership group soon.
Shreyas Iye recently led PBKS to their first IPL final in 11 years. (PTI Photo)
Following an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the bat and with the Asia Cup approaching in the T20 format, there was speculation about whether Shreyas Iyer would return to the shortest format. However, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee decided not to include the stylish batter in the squad.
Despite the omission, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed strong belief in Iyer’s future in T20 cricket, supporting him not only as a player but also indicating that he will be part of the leadership group in the future.
Taking to his official X handle, Pathan wrote, “There is no doubt in my mind that @ShreyasIyer15 will not only be in the T20 side but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment.”
There is no doubt in my mind that @ShreyasIyer15 will not only be in the t20 side but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment.— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 19, 2025
Why Shreyas Iyer Is Not In India’s Asia Cup Squad?
Iyer, a crucial player in India’s middle order across formats, has faced challenges with form and fitness in the past. Since the last T20 World Cup win, he has played 26 matches, scoring 949 runs with an average of 49.94, a strike rate of 179.73, one century, and seven fifties. His highest score is 130 not out.
India will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, with a high-profile match against Pakistan scheduled for September 14, both in Dubai. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
After the group stage, the tournament will proceed to the Super 4, where the top two teams from each group will qualify. If India finishes at the top of Group A, all their Super 4 matches will be held in Dubai. If India finishes second, one of their Super 4 matches will be in Abu Dhabi, with the remaining two in Dubai. The Super 4 stage will run from September 20 to 26. The final will be held in Dubai on September 28.
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 inputs from ANI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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