Australia’s 2015 World Cup-winning wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin expressed his shock over Shreyas Iyer‘s absence from India’s T20 squad for the Asia Cup, starting September 9 in Dubai. Shreyas Iyer, who led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final and scored 604 runs at an average of 50.33 with a strike rate of 175.07, was not considered for the continental showpiece. Shreyas Iyer, who was not even picked as a standby, has not played the shortest format for India since December 2023.
In the IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer not only led Punjab Kings from the front but also played the role of a finisher. That it was not a one-off seasonal performance became evident from the fact that he had powered the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title the season before. However, Shreyas Iyer was released by the franchise ahead of the mega auctions last December.
Shreyas Iyer, who has not featured in T20Is for India since December 2023, was not included in the Suryakumar Yadav-led 15-member Asia Cup squad announced on Tuesday, nor named in the five stand-by players list. Joining the list of former players left surprised by Shreyas Iyer’s omission is Haddin, who saw him from close quarters as Punjab Kings’ assistant coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin said he was surprised by Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, adding that he even expected the right-handed batter to be named as the side’s captain.
Australian former keeper Brad Haddin is stunned by Shreyas Iyer’s omission from Asia Cup 2025
India’s squad announcement for the Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on September 9, has triggered intense reactions among cricket analysts and fans, especially over the surprising omission of Shreyas Iyer from the 15-member squad. The decision has left many puzzled, including former Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin, who has worked closely with Iyer in the IPL.
At 30, Shreyas Iyer has been in outstanding form throughout 2025. Shreyas Iyer played a crucial role in India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer for the team. Shreyas Iyer performance in the IPL 2025 further solidified his stature, where he was among the top scorers while also leading the Punjab Kings as captain. Despite these achievements, Shreyas Iyer’s name is missing not only from the main squad but also from the reserves.
Brad Haddin expressed his shock and disappointment, calling the selectors’ decision “strange.” Having worked with Iyer during the IPL season, Haddin praised the batter’s composure under pressure and the energizing presence he brings to a team. He revealed that he had even anticipated Iyer’s inclusion in India’s leadership group for the tournament.
“Well, one, leadership qualities. Two, the style of player he is under pressure, and he’s someone that everyone plays better with when he’s on the team. I had no idea. I first thought when I was reading it that he was injured, but he’s not. So, it’s a strange decision for me because he brings so much to the game. I actually thought he was going to be captain. Extraordinary selection,” said Haddin in a video posted on Willow Talk’s social media accounts on Friday.
The omission has fueled speculation, with some hinting at possible internal politics within the team setup. Critics argue that overlooking Iyer, given his recent track record and form, could be a move that backfires during the tournament.
India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025:
Suryakumar 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
Standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel.
Shreyas Iyer, 30, had scored 604 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 175 and an average of 50.33 in IPL 2025. He even captained Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish in the competition, just after captaining his previous franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, to the IPL 2024 trophy. He will be next seen in action when he turns out for West Zone in the 2025/26 domestic season-opening Duleep Trophy, starting on August 28 at the BCCI CoE grounds in Bengaluru.
West Zone, led by India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, will play their first match of the Duleep Trophy in the semi-final scheduled for September 4, with their opponents to be the winner of the quarter-final clash between Central Zone and North East Zone. 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.
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