Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his disappointment over Shreyas Iyer not being included in the Asia Cup team. He called it sad and unfair. Under Iyer’s captaincy, KKR won the IPL in 2024, and this season he led Punjab Kings to the finals. Apart from this, Ashwin also questioned keeping opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the reserves.
Shreyas’s Good Form Ignored
It is surprising that Shreyas Iyer is not in the Asia Cup team. His batting was very good in the IPL, and he led Punjab Kings to the finals as captain. Despite this, he was ignored in the team selection. Ashwin said that selection is a very difficult task, and sometimes you have to leave someone out. He added that while there is happiness about Shubman Gill’s return, there is also sadness about Shreyas and Yashasvi being left out. Ashwin noted that if Shubman is in form, then Shreyas is also in good rhythm. He also performed well in the Champions Trophy while making a comeback.
Agarkar Defends Selection
Former off-spinner Ashwin may have criticized the decision, but chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained it. During a press conference, when asked why Shreyas did not get a place in the team, Agarkar said it was not Shreyas’s fault. He added that only 15 players could be selected. Regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal, Agarkar said it was unfortunate, but Abhishek Sharma has done well and can also bowl, so Yashasvi will have to wait. If there was space, Shreyas would have definitely been included in the team.