India’s selection meetings over the years have indeed thrown up some rather strange choices. Yesterday’s gathering was yet another one, which left many questions unanswered. And much like I had written straight after the meeting, my key takeaway was the omission of Shreyas Iyer. When I try to wrap my head around it, the only explanation that comes to mind is that the selectors did not want to include Shreyas in the standbys because he is a senior pro. They did not want to seem disrespectful, or maybe he is being looked at for ODIs and also red-ball cricket. But, to me, this explanation sounds banal. Why would you not give him the window and keep him in the standbys? Why would you not tell him that he was indeed there in the scheme of things, more so when you mention that he had done nothing wrong?
Shamik Chakrabarty, my colleague who was in Mumbai and was part of the press conference, later informed me that Shreyas wasn’t in the scheme of things. He has filed a copy to that effect as well. My question is: Why? Why was he not in the scheme of things? He had a superb IPL and has been a fine T20 player in recent times. Why is he being typecast, and for what reason? Abhishek Nayar, viewers were writing in on my show, apparently said on Star Sports that he isn’t much liked. My question then is: when did likeability become the basis for team selection?
While most would have little issue with the 15-member squad chosen for the #AsiaCup, Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the list of standbys is plain bizarre. Why do we need a third wicketkeeper for a short tournament?@BoriaMajumdar writes.#AsiaCupsquad https://t.co/b1Ep7HjW7r
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 19, 2025
The only yardstick that should get you into the team is performance. You perform and you get in. You don’t perform, and it is not an entitlement. Going by performance, Shreyas has every reason to feel hard done by. He has reason to believe that things haven’t been done right. To see three wicketkeepers in the 20, including the standbys, and not see him is a travesty.
Except Shreyas, I am perfectly fine with the selection. Many have questioned the inclusion of Shubman Gill. Like I have always said, Gill is a tremendous player and there is absolutely no reason to doubt his potential. Yes, you can ask why not Yashasvi Jaiswal, but that doesn’t mean that Gill should not be included. In fact, may I say that I am okay with the 15, except for Shivam Dube. I would have chosen Shreyas instead. Dube’s bowling isn’t something to write home about, and if someone gives me the example of his four-for, then I’d say let’s agree to disagree. Except this one selection, I think it is a squad that will walk to the Asia Cup title. Except Afghanistan, there is no side that can push India, and unless there is a miracle, Pakistan will be beaten comfortably.
It is also clear that it will be Gill who will open with Abhishek Sharma, with Sanju Samson possibly at 3. Or India might opt for Jitesh Sharma in the middle as a finisher, go with Tilak Varma at 3 and leave Samson out to start with. Either way, there is enough in the team to win the cup comfortably.
Except for Shreyas, all is well with the selection. But then, his omission will continue to frustrate.
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