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"Extremely Unfair": Ravi Ashwin Dejected With Gambhir Ignoring Shreyas Iyer For Asia Cup

Akshita Patel

Ravi Ashwin backs Shreyas Iyer [Source: @Vipintiwari952, @bhhupendrajogi/X.com]Ravi Ashwin backs Shreyas Iyer [Source: @Vipintiwari952, @bhhupendrajogi/X.com]

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticised the selectors for leaving out Shreyas Iyer from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. Ashwin described their omission as sad and unfair, especially after both players’ recent performances.

Iyer’s absence indeed surprised many. Earlier this year, he was not given a central contract and was even dropped from all formats. 

However, he made a successful comeback during the ICC Champions Trophy, where he performed well in the middle order. After consistent performance in domestic cricket, Iyer managed to get his central contract back. Yet, the selectors have once again overlooked him.

Ashwin Opposes Shreyas Iyer’s Snub, Citing Recent Credentials

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed disappointment with Shreyas Iyer’s snub. He said the batter proved his worth by leading Punjab Kings to their first final since 2014. 

He also reminded fans that Shreyas had earlier led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title in 2024 under Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship and overcame his weakness against short balls.

“What Shreyas has done wrong. He did brilliantly well for KKR, made them win. He was sent into the auction. He then took Punjab to the finals for the first time since 2014. He overcame the short ball problem. He was hitting the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah with ease in the IPL. Look at the credentials of Shreyas. He went out of the team. But came in the Champions Trophy and did amazing batting. He won and gave it to you. I am just extremely sad for him and Yashasvi Jaiswal; it is extremely unfair,” Ashwin said.

For Ashwin, Iyer did everything a player has to do to find a spot in the national team. However, when selectors ignore a batter of such high calibre, it sends the wrong message, says Ashwin.

Ashwin Also Raises Voice For Yashasvi Jaiswal

In the same video, Ravichandran Ashwin criticised the omission of Yashasvi Jaiswal from the main 15-member squad. Ashwin called it unfair, especially when Shubman Gill, who was only a standby player in the T20 World Cup 2024, has now been promoted as India’s vice-captain for the Asia Cup. 

“When you have Jaiswal as your third opener, you have brought Shubman Gill in the team by removing a person from the World Cup winning squad. I mean, I am happy for Shubman but I am very, very sad for both Shreyas and Jaiswal. It’s just not fair on both,” he added.

Gill’s selection comes on the back of a successful Test series against England earlier this year. Moreover, there is also widespread chatter that head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly keen to groom Gill as an all-format captain.