Team India middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has opened up about his snub from the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 9. Iyer admitted that it was frustrating not to be part of India’s squad, adding that he deserved to secure a place in the playing XI.
Shreyas Iyer was left out of the Indian squad, which surprised fans. He had played a key role for India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year. The right-handed batter finished as India’s leading run-getter in the winning campaign, scoring 243 runs in five matches at an average close to 49, including two fifties.
Deserve to Be in the Team, in the Playing XI – Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer, who has been named captain of India A for the upcoming four-day series against Australia A, said that he deserved to be in the playing XI. He emphasized that team victories matter most, as success brings joy to everyone.
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“It is only frustrating when you know that you deserve to be in the team, in the playing XI. That time, it is frustrating,” he said in an iQOOO podcast.
“But at the same time, when you know that someone is performing and playing consistently for the team and bringing out their best, you support them. Eventually, the goal is for the team to win, and when the team is winning, everyone is happy,” he added.
You Have to Keep Doing Your Work – Shreyas Iyer
The 30-year-old batter said that missing the Asia Cup squad has not changed his preparation or integrity. Iyer added that he works hard even when no one is watching.
“But as I keep talking about integrity, if you don’t get a chance, you have to see to it that you do your work ethically. It’s not like you have to perform only when someone is watching. Even when no one is watching, you have to keep doing your work. That’s integrity,” Iyer stated.
Iyer guided the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a runners-up finish in IPL 2025. The right-handed batter also performed well with the bat. He amassed 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of over 50 and a strike rate above 175, including six half-centuries.
Winning the Champions Trophy Was the Best Feeling Ever – Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer said that India’s Champions Trophy win is the most memorable moment of his career. The Mumbai batter stated that success depends heavily on preparation, while failures may occur once or twice.
“Winning the ICC Champions Trophy for India was the best feeling ever,” he recalled.
“As we keep saying, you have to trust your preparations. When you prepare yourself in a certain manner, whatever happens on the ground is just a reflection of what you do off the field,” Iyer opined.
India A will take on Australia A in a two-match red-ball series beginning September 16 in Lucknow. Notably, the team has had different leaders in recent tours. Ruturaj Gaikwad captained the side in Australia last year, while Abhimanyu Easwaran was in charge against the England Lions earlier this year.
Also read: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match to be cancelled? BCCI issues official statement amid criticism
