Shreyas Iyer’s omission from Asia Cup 2025 squad sparks rift rumors with Gautam Gambhir

The omission of Shreyas Iyer from India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has triggered heated discussions among fans and cricketing circles. Announced on August 19, the squad left out Iyer despite his impressive IPL 2025 campaign, where he led Punjab Kings to the final with consistency and leadership. His absence came as a shock, considering his reputation as one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters. The decision has raised doubts about whether cricketing logic alone drove the call, or if personal dynamics with head coach Gautam Gambhir influenced matters.

Former cricketer Abhishek Nayar openly questioned the selection during a Star Sports panel, suggesting that favoritism may have shaped the choices. He hinted that Iyer might not have been “favoured” in comparison to others. Social media chatter quickly amplified the issue, with fans accusing Gambhir of bias towards players associated with his old IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders. The selections of Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh, despite limited achievements, added fuel to claims of preferential treatment and deepened suspicions about Iyer’s snub.

See Also: Highlights of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad: Gill, Bumrah return; Shreyas, Yashasvi left out

The debate has highlighted the fine balance between form, talent, and selection politics in Indian cricket. Many believe Iyer’s exclusion is difficult to justify on performance grounds alone, given his IPL contributions and experience at the highest level. His absence not only leaves a gap in India’s middle-order strength but also raises concerns about transparency in squad building. While selectors have defended the call as a tough but necessary decision, the controversy continues to spark debates about whether personal bias overshadowed merit in the final squad announcement.

Sunil Gavaskar suspects rift between Iyer and Gambhir 

Adding to the controversy, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar weighed in, subtly pointing out that Iyer had been overshadowed during KKR’s IPL 2024 title-winning campaign. Gavaskar hinted that while Iyer captained the side, much of the credit went to Gambhir, sidelining the skipper’s contribution. His remarks suggested that Iyer may have once again suffered from being undervalued despite consistent performances. Gavaskar’s comments intensified speculation about whether Iyer’s exclusion was more than just a tactical decision, giving further weight to the narrative of a rift.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the decision after Shreyas Iyer snub

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, however, defended the decision and emphasized the competitiveness of team selection. He clarified that Iyer’s omission should not be seen as a reflection of his talent but rather a result of balancing the squad. Agarkar said, “With respect to Shreyas Iyer… not his fault, but neither ours,” highlighting that tough calls had to be made due to limited squad spots. His explanation portrayed the situation as more of a structural challenge than an intentional sidelining of the batter.

Amidst the storm of accusations, Gautam Gambhir addressed the rumors directly, denying any involvement in Iyer’s exclusion. The head coach firmly distanced himself from the selectors’ decisions, reiterating, “I am not a selector.” He insisted that the squad was picked on merit and team requirements, dismissing claims of bias or personal conflict. While Gambhir’s clarification aimed to cool the controversy, questions continue to linger. With Iyer’s omission remaining one of the most talked-about topics in Indian cricket, the debate over his future in the national setup shows no signs of fading.