Following criticism of BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir has now been dragged into the storm over Shreyas Iyer’s non-selection for the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has accused Gambhir of failing to support Iyer, even hinting at favouritism in the selection process. The controversy has intensified with fans expressing disappointment over the treatment of one of India’s most in-form batters.
Despite enjoying a prolific season, Iyer was left out of the Asia Cup squad for the UAE tournament beginning September 9. He amassed 604 runs in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 174 and scored more than 300 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at a strike rate of 188. Many believe his exclusion is unjustified, especially given the form and confidence he carries into this crucial tournament.
Ramesh Questions Gambhir’s Backing of Players
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramesh directly addressed the issue, claiming a false narrative was being built around India’s 2-2 Test series draw in England. That result was hailed as a major milestone for a young Indian side led by Shubman Gill in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, Ramesh argued the hype was misplaced and only highlighted because India had previously struggled in Tests under Gambhir’s coaching reign.
“He backs the players he likes but completely lets go of those he doesn’t,” Ramesh said. “Winning consistently abroad had started long back under Kohli and Shastri. But now, just the drawn series in England is being projected as a big achievement in Gambhir’s track record.”
Champions Trophy Success and Iyer’s Impact
Ramesh further reminded fans of India’s Champions Trophy victory earlier this year, highlighting Iyer as the decisive factor behind the triumph. The middle-order batter scored 243 runs — the most by any Indian and second overall behind New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra. His consistent performances in high-pressure games helped India lift the prestigious trophy.
“Gambhir’s biggest achievement remains the Champions Trophy triumph, and Iyer was the biggest reason for that success. Yet, Gambhir is not backing him. Someone like Jaiswal, who is an X-factor player, must play all formats. Keeping him in standby is a poor move,” Ramesh added.
Ramesh Calls for Backing Iyer in UAE
The former opener stressed that India must utilize players when they are high on confidence and form. “Shreyas Iyer produced incredible performances in the same UAE during the Champions Trophy and should be a permanent fixture in India’s white-ball teams. Players must be backed when they are high on confidence and in form, not when they fade away. This is the ideal time to reap the rewards of Iyer’s sky-high confidence,” he concluded.
With the Asia Cup 2025 fast approaching, the debate surrounding Iyer’s exclusion and Gambhir’s role in the decision has only added more heat to India’s preparation. Fans will be closely watching how the team performs and whether the snubbed batter makes a comeback in the near future.
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