Despite his consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Santosh Iyer has expressed sadness that his son Shreyas Iyer was left off of the Asia Cup squad. In an emotional response, Santosh stated that while Shreyas is understandably upset about not being given a chance, he is not placing the blame for the setback on anyone.
Among the prominent exclusions from the 15-man squad for the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9, were Shreyas and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Iyer was not even listed as one of the five backup players, although Jaiswal was named in the traveling reserves.
Citing Iyer’s batting prowess in the IPL 2025, where he guided perennial underachievers Punjab Kings to their first final in 11 years—a year after leading Kolkata Knight Riders to their first title in ten years—a number of former cricketers and critics have questioned the choice.
“I don’t know what else Shreyas has to do to make it to the Indian T20 team. He 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 a captain. He even captained KKR to the IPL title in 2024 and led PBKS to the final this year,” Santosh told The Times of India.
After an incredible IPL 2025 season, Shreyas, who last played for India in December 2023, was predicted to be included in the Asia Cup team. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, however, emphasized the fierce battle for spots in the Indian T20I team and maintained that Shreyas couldn’t realistically replace anyone at this moment.
After the exclusion, Santosh provided insight into Shreyas’ mental state and urged the selectors to at least think about include him in the team.
“I am not saying make him the Indian captain, but at least select him in the team. Even if he’s left out, he never shows dissent. He’ll simply say, ‘Mera naseeb hai’ (It’s my luck; you can’t do anything now). He is always cool and calm.
“He doesn’t blame anybody, but deep inside he must be naturally disappointed,” he added.
In order to satisfy the demands of contemporary T20 cricket, Shreyas has altered his style of play. He took a gamble and succeeded by scoring 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 while batting in the middle order of a formidable Punjab Kings lineup. Previously regarded more as an accumulator, he accepted the position of the aggressor and continuously prioritized the team over individual goals, setting the standard for a youthful Punjab team under head coach Ricky Ponting.
