Shreyas Iyer vs Washington Sundar: The Ideal Choice For India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad

Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar[Source: @ImTanujSingh, @mahedele20181/x.com]

With the Asia Cup 2025 fast approaching, India’s squad is almost ready to be rolled out but there is still one missing piece in the puzzle. Despite all the chatter and speculation, reports suggest that the core squad will stay the same as the one that played the last T20I series.

The real debate lies in the final seat on the bus: the 15th-man slot. And the toss-up? Stylish top-order batter, Shreyas Iyer and multi-skilled all-rounder, Washington Sundar. It’s a classic case of choosing between silk and steel.

Let’s analyse between Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar and who is the ideal pick for India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad.

The Case For Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer T20I Stats

Shreyas Iyer’s name has been floating around Indian cricket circles for years. With over 1100 T20I runs, eight half-centuries and a strike rate of 136, his numbers aren’t shabby at all.

He is known for his classy strokeplay, especially against spin and his leadership chops can’t be ignored. Having guided two IPL teams to the finals in back-to-back years, Iyer has shown he can stay calm under fire and marshal troops with authority.

But here’s the catch: India’s top order is already stacked. With Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opening, Tilak Varma at three and Suryakumar Yadav holding fort at four, there is hardly any breathing space. Slotting Iyer into this line-up feels like trying to squeeze one more suitcase into an already overloaded trunk.

Moreover, Iyer hasn’t played a T20I for a while now and his game is more suited for the grind of ODIs rather than the tempo of T20s. Banking on him could be a gamble.

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The Case For Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar T20I Stats

Now let’s talk about Washington Sundar, a player who doesn’t just fit into line-ups, he fixes them. His all-round skills make him a captain’s dream. With 48 wickets in 54 T20Is at an economy under 7, he can choke runs in the middle overs and break partnerships on sluggish UAE pitches.

Add to that his batting down the order, where he can chip in with quick 20s or 30s and you have got a proper utility man. Sundar’s presence in India’s Champions Trophy-winning squad earlier this year in the UAE is proof of his value.

In slow conditions, his off-spin becomes a real handful and his batting offers depth India desperately craves. If Rinku Singh is left out, Sundar could seamlessly slide in as the finisher and give India not just a bow but also a few arrows.

Gautam Gambhir’s All-Rounder First Policy

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has been clear about his preference for all-rounders across formats. He likes flexibility and options and Sundar gives him exactly that. In the UAE, where runs are often scrappy and bowling options make the difference, Sundar fits this vision perfectly. He offers India an extra bowling cushion and the ability to bat at No. 6 or 7.

Having already backed him on the England tour where Sundar delivered, Gambhir might be inclined to carry forward that trust. For Iyer, it feels like a case of wrong timing. He might be good but the door is nearly shut because the top order is locked and loaded.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, India doesn’t just need another batter, it needs balance. Iyer brings class but Sundar brings dimensions.

With the Asia Cup set to unfold on the slow decks of the UAE, Sundar’s bowling could be worth its weight in gold. If it’s between the flamboyance of Iyer and the utility of Sundar, the safer bet is Sundar.

After all, in tournament cricket, it is the multi-skilled players who tilt the scales.

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