Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is due to the leadership qualities he brings. The 30-year-old batter had an outstanding IPL season with Punjab Kings, scoring over 600 runs and leading the team to their first final in 11 years. Despite this, Iyer was not included in the 15-member squad or even the reserve list, sparking criticism from fans and cricket experts.
Panesar explained that a younger player would be easier for head coach Gautam Gambhir to manage, which likely influenced the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, to leave Iyer out of the squad.
Panesar Backs Iyer, Highlights Exceptional Form
Iyer’s recent performances have been impressive, having led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024 and contributing to India’s Champions Trophy win in 2025. Panesar said that while leadership skills make Iyer a standout, they also make him a more complex choice for team management.
“If he keeps scoring runs, he should be playing. His talent is unbelievable. India is fortunate to have such depth that they can field multiple competitive teams,” Panesar added.
India will begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 10 against the United Arab Emirates, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs in the tournament starting September 9.
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