(Video) Punjab Conspiracy? Shreyas Iyer’s Exclusion From India’s Asia Cup Squad Baffles Alyssa Healy, Brad Haddin 

Shreyas Iyer's Asia Cup snub sparked debate about whether players are be selected based on their IPL performance or their influence in the team.

(Video) Punjab Conspiracy? Shreyas Iyer’s Exclusion From India’s Asia Cup Squad Baffles Alyssa Healy, Brad Haddin 

Brad Haddin and Alyssa Healy expressed disappointment at Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from India's Asia Cup squad. (via Khel Now)

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Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s 2025 Asia Cup squad has been the talking point, with many former players voicing their disappointment over his omission. The surprising decision has also drawn reactions from Alyssa Healy and Brad Haddin.

Many believe that the 30-year-old deserved a place in the Indian squad for the 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE. Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion has led to widespread criticism of the BCCI’s selection committee, sparking a significant debate over the criteria for choosing players. The backlash was directed at chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who justified Iyer’s omission by citing the intense competition from a vast talent pool.

Despite a phenomenal year of form, Iyer has been completely left out of the selection process, not even making it onto the list of five reserves for the Asia Cup. The 30-year-old made a remarkable comeback since being dropped from the BCCI’s annual contract list last year. He was a key player in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy victory, finishing as the team’s second-highest run-scorer with 243 runs at an average of 48.60.

Shreyas Iyer’s T20I form has been equally exceptional, particularly after he led Mumbai to the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. In the 2025 IPL season, after moving from Kolkata Knight Riders to Punjab Kings, Iyer captained his new team to its first IPL final in over a decade. He also finished as one of the tournament’s leading run-scorers, accumulating 604 runs at an average of 50.33 with a strike rate of 170.

Among those who spoke out about Iyer’s omission was former Australian wicketkeeper and PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin. Having worked with Iyer in the IPL, Haddin had previously suggested that he should be given a leadership role in the national team, citing his impressive record as the first captain to lead three different IPL teams to the final. On his recent podcast, ‘Willow Talk’, with Australian women’s cricket team captain Alyssa Healy and fellow presenter Adam Peacock, Haddin did not hide his disbelief. 

Brad Haddin wittily suggested that Shreyas’ exclusion was a conspiracy against PBKS players, hinting at potential internal politics. Haddin was blunt in his assessment, arguing that Iyer’s ability to handle pressure should have elevated him to a capatincy role within the team.

He admitted he was so certain of Iyer’s selection that he initially thought the player must be injured when he saw the team sheet. Haddin went on to label the decision an ‘extraordinary blunder’.

I first thought when I was reading it that he [Shreyas Iyer] 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.

Alyssa Healy and Adam Peacock both agreed, expressing their disappointment that Shreyas Iyer was not included. Without Iyer’s experience and calm presence, it remains to be seen how the Indian team will perform in the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to start on September 9.

BCCI Dismisses Shreyas Iyer ODI Captaincy Rumors, Shubman Gill Remains First Choice 

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia put an end to the speculation that Shreyas Iyer is being considered as a future ODI captain for India. The rumors began circulating after the 30-year-old Punjab Kings skipper was unexpectedly left out of India’s 2025 Asia Cup squad.

BCCI Shreyas Iyer captain ODI
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed rumors that Shreyas Iyer is going to be India’s next ODI captain, ahead of Shubman Gill. (via NDTV Sports)

Iyer solidified his position with strong display at the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. As a result, he has now being considered a strong candidate to take over as India’s ODI captain from Rohit Sharma. However, despite the rumors, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia swiftly denied the speculation, stating that there have been no discussions about appointing Iyer as captain in the future.

A source close to the BCCI stated that the board has full confidence in Shubman Gill‘s capabilities, confirming that the 25-year-old is being groomed to take on a leadership role. Given Gill’s promotion to T20I vice-captaincy, it suggests he is on track to become India’s all-format captain.

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