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"Thought Shreyas Iyer Was Injured": PBKS Coach Refuses To Believe Captain's Asia Cup Snub

Akshita Patel

Brad Haddin reacts to Shreyas Iyer's snub from Asia Cup squad [Source: @PunjabKingsIPL, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Brad Haddin reacts to Shreyas Iyer's snub from Asia Cup squad [Source: @PunjabKingsIPL, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Shreyas Iyer, one of India’s most consistent and in-form batters, has been left out of India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025. The decision has stunned many in the cricket world, including former Australia wicketkeeper and current Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin. 

Iyer’s snub caught the entire cricket fraternity off guard, given his recent performances in IPL and domestic events. He led PBKS to their first final since 2014 and scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07.

PBKS Coach Baffled To See Shreyas Iyer’s Dire Situation

Brad Haddin, Punjab Kings’ assistant coach, was speaking on the Willow Talk podcast when he learnt about Shreyas Iyer being dropped from the Asia Cup squad. 

He appeared stunned and revealed how he thought Iyer was ignored due to injury. Haddin went on to add that he anticipated Iyer to be the captain of India’s white-ball team.

"What happened there? Well, one, leadership qualities. Two, the style of player he is under pressure, and he's someone that everyone plays better with when he's on the team. I had no idea. I first thought when I was reading it that he was injured, but he's not. So, it's a strange decision for me because he brings so much to the game. I actually thought he was going to be captain. Extraordinary selection,” Haddin said.

Despite all this, when chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced India’s 15-member squad earlier this week, Iyer’s name was missing. He wasn’t even listed among the standbys.

Shubman Gill Replaces Shreyas Iyer In India’s T20I Setup

According to reports, Shreyas Iyer was likely sidelined from India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup to accommodate Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Gill, who recently embraced the Test captaincy, is reportedly being viewed as India’s future all-format captain.

Hence, this is the first step to ensure a smooth transition. Not only that, but Iyer previously had a run-in with Ajit Agarkar when he complained of a back injury, and instead of rehab, he landed at KKR’s IPL camp. 

Subsequently, he was dropped from BCCI’s central contract list only to be reinstated after consistent performances in domestic cricket. Still, Shreyas Iyer continues to be sidelined.