Shreyas Iyer expresses disappointment over omission, finds solace in team’s victory

Many were surprised not to see Shreyas Iyer’s name in India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Even without being in the headlines with his bat, the Indian batter has found himself in discussion—this time for his words. Not hiding his disappointment over being left out, Iyer openly admitted, “Yes, it is disappointing.” At the same time, he stressed that the team’s victory always comes first for him.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Iyer said, “When you know that you deserve to be in the team, getting dropped is really disappointing. But when someone else is performing consistently well and winning matches for the team, supporting him becomes most important. Because, in the end, the team’s victory is what brings joy to all of us.”

He further added, “I always talk about integrity. Even when you don’t get opportunities, you have to continue your work with honesty. Not just when people are watching, but even when no one is, you must fulfill your responsibility.”

In IPL 2025, as captain of Punjab Kings, Iyer was in superb batting form. Across 17 matches, he scored 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and an impressive strike rate of 175.07, finishing as the sixth-highest run-scorer of the tournament. His tally included six half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 97.

His consistency has also been evident in international T20 cricket. Iyer was part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad last year, and in 26 T20Is, he amassed 949 runs at an average of 49.94, with a strike rate close to 180. During this period, he registered one century and seven fifties, his best being an unbeaten 130.

The Asia Cup Super Four stage will be played between September 20–26. The venues for India’s matches will depend on their group stage standing—if they finish top, all matches will be held in Dubai; if second, the matches will be split between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The final is scheduled for September 28 in Dubai.