Shreyas Iyer called his Asia Cup snub ‘frustrating’ and the batter felt that he deserved to be in the playing XI.
Shreyas Iyer has broken his silence — and it’s raw, real, and revealing. The star batter, shockingly left out of India’s 15-man Asia Cup 2025 squad, called the snub “frustrating” in a candid iQOOO podcast. He didn’t hide his pain. “It’s frustrating when you know you deserve the team — and the playing XI,” he said. Fans felt the sting too. After all, Iyer was India’s top scorer in the 2025 Champions Trophy — 243 runs in 5 innings, average 48.60, two fifties. His middle-overs stability? Crucial to India’s title win. Yet, selectors ignored him. Now, he leads India A vs Australia A — his comeback platform.
Why Was Iyer Axed? Stats Say He Deserved Better
Let’s be clear — Iyer’s Champions Trophy numbers don’t lie. He anchored pressure innings and rotated strike smartly. He accelerated when needed. His 71 vs Pakistan? Match-turning. His 89* vs Australia? Ice-cool under fire. So why drop him? Selectors cited “fresh combinations” and “T20-specific roles.” But Iyer’s T20 stats? Strong. IPL 2025: 412 runs @ 37.45. Recent domestic: consistent. Experts call it a gamble. Fans call it injustice. Either way — Iyer’s omission shocked the cricket world.
“I Support the Team — But I Deserve My Spot”
Despite the snub, Iyer showed class. “When someone performs consistently, you support them,” he said. His focus? Team success above ego. “If India wins, everyone’s happy,” he added. But make no mistake — he believes he belongs. “Frustration hits when you know your worth,” he admitted. That’s not arrogance. That’s confidence backed by runs. He didn’t blame selectors. Didn’t attack teammates. Just stated facts — with dignity. That’s why fans rally behind him.
Integrity Over Spotlight: “Work Even When No One’s Watching”
Here’s where Iyer shines — his mindset. “Integrity means working ethically — even when no one watches,” he said. No shortcuts. No complaints. Just pure grind. That’s his comeback formula. He trains like a starter — not a reserve. He treats India A like a World Cup. “Preparation reflects on-field results,” he stressed. Miss one game? Fine. Miss two? Unlucky. Miss three? Never — if prep is perfect. That’s his law. And he’s lived it. His 2023 comeback from back surgery? Proof.
Champions Trophy Win = “Best Feeling Ever” — Fuel for Fire
Iyer called lifting the Champions Trophy “the best feeling ever.” That trophy? His legacy. His proof of clutch performance. Now? He uses it as fuel. “I know what it takes to win big,” he said. Asia Cup exclusion? Just a detour. Not the end. He’s targeting T20 World Cup 2026. And he’s building his case — match by match, net session by net session. “Dot your i’s, cross your t’s — success follows,” he said. Simple. Powerful. True.
What This Means for Fantasy & Betting Players
Smart bettors — take note. Iyer’s hunger? Off the charts. His form? Still elite. His next India A games? Must-watch. If he smashes Australia A? Selectors can’t ignore him. Odds will shift. Fantasy captains will draft him. Bookies will adjust his “comeback player” value. Track his scores. Watch his strike rate. His next 50 could trigger a national recall. Don’t sleep on him. The market will move fast — be ready.