Shreyas Iyer’s omission from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has stunned fans and experts alike. Coming off a blistering IPL season with 604 runs at a strike rate of 175, he was seen as a near-certainty for selection. Yet, despite his form, the 30-year-old has been left out, sparking speculation that his exclusion might be rooted in tensions between Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir. After all, Iyer was a key face of the IPL 2024 champion side and a central figure in the KKR team in 2024 before moving on to the Punjab Kings.
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What Happened After KKR’s 2024 Triumph?
The seeds of this supposed fallout trace back to the IPL 2024 champion run by the Kolkata Knight Riders. Iyer, as captain, played a key role in steadying the middle order and leading with tactical sharpness. Yet, once the celebrations began, most of the spotlight went to Gautam Gambhir, KKR’s mentor, who was widely credited for the franchise’s turnaround.
Reports suggested that Iyer felt overshadowed, believing his leadership role was downplayed. For a captain who had just led his third franchise to an IPL final, the lack of recognition was hard to digest. On the flip side, Gambhir, known for valuing loyalty, was reportedly displeased with Iyer’s decision to leave the KKR team in 2024 soon after the title win, and join the Punjab Kings for the 2025 season. What could have been a celebrated partnership quickly turned awkward, with whispers of tension between Iyer and Gambhir keeping tongues wagging.
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While Gambhir was not officially part of the Asia Cup selection meeting, the mere association of his name with Iyer’s exclusion has kept the controversy alive. Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh added fuel to the fire by accusing Gambhir of not backing Iyer despite his runs, a claim that resonated with many fans frustrated by the selection.
Shreyas Iyer：The Independent-Minded Maverick
This isn’t the first time Iyer’s independent streak has appeared to clash with the system. Unlike many players in India’s tightly controlled setup, he has often been vocal about his preferences and decisions. One of the biggest examples came in 2023 when Iyer was dropped from the BCCI’s central contract list after skipping a Ranji Trophy game despite being declared fit by the National Cricket Academy. His explanation about managing back issues did not sit well with the board, and he faced the same fate as Ishan Kishan: exclusion from retainership.
One thing i understand now is that Gautam Gambhir dislikes the one’s who carries an attitude. He only wants players in the team who nod to his commands, guys who always say Yes Sir, Yes Sir on all his decision. But Shreyas Iyer isn’t like that. He has that main character attitude…
— Suprvirat (@Mostlykohli) August 19, 2025
Another instance was his recurring omission from major ICC tournaments despite good form. After missing the 2021 T20 World Cup squad, he was again sidelined in 2022 and 2024, forcing him to rebuild his career through domestic cricket and IPL stints. Even his stellar performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy — where he was India’s best batter — did not secure him consistent backing. In short, Iyer’s career has often swung between peaks of brilliance and phases where he appears out of favor, not because of a lack of performance, but due to his refusal to mold himself into a management-friendly persona.
The Captaincy Debate
Adding to the intrigue is the ongoing debate about India’s next ODI captain. With Rohit Sharma at 38 and nearing the end of his international career, conversations have begun about his successor. And among the names floated, Shreyas Iyer’s stands tall. Why? His leadership record in the IPL is unmatched in recent memory. He has taken three different franchises to the final, including guiding Punjab Kings to their first summit clash in a decade this year. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to adapt his batting style have made him a fan favorite for the role.
Rumours of him being groomed as Rohit’s heir gained traction earlier this year, particularly after the Champions Trophy win, where Iyer was India’s standout performer. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was quick to dismiss such talk, saying no discussions about replacing Rohit had taken place. Still, with Rohit unlikely to feature in the 2027 World Cup, the speculation is not going away anytime soon — especially when players like Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya are also in the fray.
For Iyer, the irony is glaring: while fans see him as a natural captaincy candidate, the system seems reluctant to even include him in the current squad. It doesn’t help that his perceived clash with Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir continues to overshadow the conversation.
Related Article：Why Shreyas Iyer Is Not in Asia Cup 2025 — Politics or Performance Snub?
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Asia Cup 2025 squad is more than a selection call — it’s a reflection of deeper currents shaping Indian cricket’s future. Whether the alleged rift between Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir is real or overstated, the episode highlights how perception, politics, and timing can impact a player’s career as much as performances on the field. For now, Iyer remains on the outside looking in. But with his form, leadership skills, and his past as an IPL champion leading the KKR team in 2024, the conversation about his place, and perhaps even his captaincy credentials, is far from over.
