Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 20: Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup T20 squad has raised eyebrows, especially after his fine run in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite the setback, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind the Mumbai batter, expressing confidence that Iyer will make a strong comeback in the shortest format.

Taking to his official X handle, Pathan wrote: “There is no doubt in my mind that @ShreyasIyer15 will not only be in the T20 side, but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment.”

Iyer, a dependable middle-order option for India in recent years, has struggled with form and fitness, leading to periodic omissions. However, his T20 numbers remain impressive. Since India’s last T20 World Cup win, Iyer has featured in 26 matches, scoring 949 runs at an average of 49.94 and a strike rate of 179.73, including one century and seven half-centuries, with a highest of 130 not out.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, however, chose to leave him out of the Asia Cup squad, opting instead for a blend of youth and experience. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side, with Shubman Gill as his deputy.

India open their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by a marquee clash against Pakistan on September 14. Their final group game will be against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. The Super 4 stage is scheduled from September 20 to 26, with Dubai hosting the final on September 28.

India Squad for Asia Cup 2025 (T20):

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.