The Asia Cup kicks off today, and while the tournament promises some top-class cricketing action, Indian fans are still scratching their heads over a mystery that’s been brewing for weeks now. Yes, we’re talking about Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup exclusion reasons, and no one seems to have a clear answer. Why has one of India’s most consistent middle-order batters been left out of such a crucial squad?

Shock and Silence – Iyer Reacts

It’s fair to say that Iyer’s omission was one of the biggest surprises of the tournament selection. Many expected him to be a nailed-on pick after his consistent run, especially post-Champions Trophy and IPL 2025. But alas, he didn’t just miss out; he wasn’t even in the reserves. Talk about a snub. So, why Shreyas Iyer is not in Asia Cup? Well, Iyer himself hasn’t exactly gone on a rant, but he’s not shied away from speaking his truth either. On the iQOO podcast, he said plainly:

“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 added, with the kind of maturity fans admire:

“When 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 while others may take a backseat after being dropped, Iyer’s kept his chin up:

“Even when no one is watching, you have to keep doing your work. That’s integrity.”

For now, he’s been named captain of the India A team set to face Australia A in a red-ball series later this month. But let’s be honest, that’s hardly a consolation for someone who should’ve been shining on the Asia Cup stage.

Gambhir vs Iyer? Maybe Not…

Now, here’s where it gets a bit juicy. For months, whispers have been going around that Gautam Gambhir just doesn’t fancy Iyer. Their relationship reportedly soured after KKR’s IPL 2024 win under Iyer’s captaincy , a victory that apparently wasn’t enough to mend growing tensions between the two. So naturally, when Iyer was dropped again, fingers were pointed straight at Gambhir. Many fans believed he was behind Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup exclusion reasons.

Related Article：Asia Cup 2025 — Inside the Rift Between Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir

🚨Personal Vendetta against Shreyas Iyer🚨

One big Selector is against Shreyas Iyer as odi captain after Rohit Retirement

That Selector is the Reason Behind Shreyas not being in Asia Cup Squad

And gill will also put pressure to Stop Shreyas from odi captaincy@abhishereporter pic.twitter.com/PanChvyzJa

— Sawai96 (@Aspirant_9457) September 8, 2025

New reports suggest the real roadblock wasn’t Gambhir at all. Instead, it appears a senior selector may be the actual “villain” here. According to journalist sources, this selector allegedly holds a personal grudge against Iyer, a rivalry going back years. That grudge is not only keeping Iyer out of squads but may have also derailed his chances of becoming India’s next ODI captain after Rohit Sharma. While players like Shubman Gill are rising through the ranks, it does seem unfair that Asia Cup squad omission decisions could be driven by backstage politics instead of pure performance.

Deserves a Spot

Let’s not sugarcoat this, why Shreyas Iyer is not in Asia Cup is a question that remains unanswered because, cricket-wise, he’s done more than enough. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Iyer was India’s top scorer, 243 runs in five matches at an average just shy of 49. That’s no fluke.

Then came IPL 2025, where he smashed 604 runs in 17 matches, with a strike rate north of 175. He led Punjab Kings all the way to the final. That’s consistency. That’s form. That’s hunger. And yet… Asia Cup squad omission. It’s a tough pill to swallow, for Iyer, and for fans. Because what this saga shows is that performing well doesn’t always guarantee you a spot. And Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup exclusion reasons seem to be less about cricket and more about India’s cricket politics.

Final Thoughts

In a fair world, why Shreyas Iyer is not in Asia Cup should’ve had a simple answer like “injury” or “form”. But none of that applies here. Instead, it feels like we’re watching a talented player caught up in a web of behind-the-scenes drama he never asked for. Still, knowing Iyer, he won’t sit around sulking. He’ll lead India A with pride, and if rumours are true, we might just see him back in the national side during the West Indies series later this year. And when he does return, we hope it’s loud, proud, and full of runs.

Rohit Sharma after winning the CT : “We should not forget the contribution of Shreyas Iyer , he has been a silent performer throughout the tournament.”

We Stan The Right Guy , He is a Born Leader ❤️! pic.twitter.com/B0yOQ5YNYH

— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane) August 19, 2025

Because whatever the politics, India needs players like Iyer. And more importantly, cricket fans deserve to see him on the biggest stage. Let’s hope the next time the selectors sit down, it’s cricket, and not grudges, that make the final call.