It's been a few days since India's Asia Cup squad got picked but the polarised reactions around it are still on. As is the case with every Indian squad selections, there are a million opinions amongst the pundits and fans alike. One common factor, though, in all of these opinions has been about the non-selection of Shreyas Iyer.
From the outset, Iyer's absence doesn't seem shocking, given that his career strike rate in T20Is and overall T20s is around 136, which in modern day cricket isn't in the elite levels. However, dive deep into these stats and they suggest that Iyer has had a huge redemption in the shortest format. While there is an obvious anger and disappointment from Iyer's side, there could be a pleasant surprise in store for him in a different way.
India's next ODI World Cup is only in 2027, which means that current skipper Rohit Sharma and fellow senior man Virat Kohli may not be a certainty at that time. The veteran duo are, however, working hard to ensure they remain fit and for now, there doesn't seem any inclination of retirement from their side, even as rumours continue to grow. Meanwhile, it is time for the BCCI and the management to groom a new leader. Shubman Gill, who recently started his reign as Test captain and has been elevated to T20I vice-captaincy, appeared to be the frontrunner for this job. Especially since Gill's best format so far has been ODI cricket.
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However, in what seems like another twist from the BCCI's side, Iyer seems like the prime candidate to take over from Rohit Sharma as captain of the 50-over format. Like Gill, Iyer's numbers also are impressive and he has also had exceptional numbers in ICC tournaments, playing a crucial part in the 2023 0DI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. While an official confirmation on this is needed, Iyer does seem to have a strong chance of leadership in his favour.
In Kolkata Knight Riders's title-winning season in IPL 2024, Iyer's strike-rate was 146 and he produced 351 runs at an average of 39 - impressive numbers in a batting unit that had powerhitters all around him. It is, however, in this year's IPL that Iyer turned his fortunes in sensational fashion, producing 604 runs at an astounding average 50 and strike-rate of 175. There is clearly an upgrade in the way he bats in T20 cricket and Iyer's leadership qualities only add value to his CV. Therefore, his exclusion for the Asia Cup tournament that will be in UAE comes as a surprise, given his heroics in the Champions Trophy in the same conditions earlier this year.
So, if Shreyas Iyer is going to replace Rohit Sharma as ODI captain as reported by @abhishereporter , Shubman Gill will not be the all format captain. He will lead in tests and T20Is (following Suryakumar's tenure) while Shreyas will lead in ODIs. Interesting development.
— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) August 21, 2025
There is no denying the difference in ODI and T20 formats but Iyer's exclusion in the shortest format is still inexcusible. More so when you see that he wasn't even in the standby list of players with a weird policy of a third wicket-keeper batter in Dhruv Jurel considered instead. Understandably, Iyer and his family are disappointed, something his father confessed emotionally to the media.
"I don't know what else Shreyas has to do to make it to the Indian T20 team. He has been performing so well in the IPL year after year, from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders to Punjab Kings, and that too as a captain. He even captained KKR to the IPL title in 2024 and led PBKS to the final this year," said Shreyas's father Santosh in a chat with TOI.
"I am not saying make him the Indian captain, but at least select him in the team. Even if he's left out, he never shows dissent. He'll simply say, 'Mera naseeb hai' (It's my luck; you can't do anything now). He is always cool and calm."
"He doesn't blame anybody, but deep inside he must be naturally disappointed," he added.
The pain and agony that Shreyas and his family have been experiencing in the last few days may get some solace, even if the justice won't be the same. It won't be wrong to say that ODIs are his best format too, and his leadership abilities are arguably the best of the next generation of Indian cricketers.
Gill is expected to take over from Suryakumar in the shortest format while Iyer is tipped to be the new ODI captain, although the timeline isn't certain for now.
India's next ODI assignment is only in October - an away series against Australia - so there is time before the BCCI and Gautam Gambhir sit to finalise these decisions.
