The announcement of the India squad Asia Cup 2025 exclusions shocked fans across the country. Selectors dropped some of the most dependable names. As a result, debates started instantly on social media and in cricket circles.
1. Shreyas Iyer – The Biggest Surprise
Selectors shocked everyone when they left out Shreyas Iyer. He dominated IPL 2025 with over 604 runs at a rapid strike rate. Therefore, experts expected him to walk straight into the squad. Instead, the selectors argued for team balance. Former selector Salil Ankola candidly shared that he was “baffled” by this decision. Fans also voiced anger, claiming Iyer deserved his spot.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal – From Rising Star to Standby
Selectors also surprised many by ignoring Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young left-hander impressed with fearless batting in the IPL. Moreover, he featured in India’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year. Even so, the selectors only kept him as a standby player. Consequently, fans called this unfair because Jaiswal could have strengthened India’s opening partnership.
3. KL Rahul – Experience Ignored
The choice to let go of KL Rahul caught a lot of people off guard. Rahul scored more than 539 runs in IPL 2025 and offered wicketkeeping skills too. However, selectors chose Abhishek Sharma, who adds balance with his batting and bowling. As a result, they ignored Rahul’s vast experience. Critics argued this was a gamble, while supporters praised the forward-looking approach.
4. Rishabh Pant – Injuries Force Him Out
Injuries have once again sidelined Rishabh Pant from the squad. He suffered another setback while batting in a Test match. Because of this, selectors could not include him. They instead trusted Jitesh Sharma with the wicketkeeping role. Although fans felt disappointed, they understood the reasons behind Pant’s absence.
5. Mohammed Siraj – A Big Miss in Bowling
Selectors created the biggest shock when they left out Mohammed Siraj. He played a key role in the Test series against England, where he took 23 wickets. Furthermore, his pace and aggression often turn matches in India’s favor. Former spinner Harbhajan Singh even warned that India would miss Siraj’s “X-factor.” Consequently, many experts called his exclusion a risky mistake.
BCCI’s bold move:
The squad shows that the selectors are making some bold moves for the future. They’ve named Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain, which is exciting! Plus, Jasprit Bumrah is back as the main strike bowler. We also have some fresh faces like Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh joining the team. The selectors are aiming for a mix of variety and flexibility in the lineup.
Fans reacted quickly and loudly. Social media is flooded with criticism of the selection policy. Supporters of Iyer, Rahul, and Siraj questioned fairness. On the other hand, some experts praised the selectors for trying new options. Thus, opinions remain divided as the tournament approaches.
In short, selectors excluded Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj from the squad. These choices looked bold, but they also created risks. If India performs well, people will praise the new names. However, if India struggles, fans will question why proven stars were left out.
To conclude, the India squad Asia Cup 2025 exclusions showcase the fierce competition that’s alive and kicking in Indian cricket. The decisions reflect bold planning for the future. Yet, they also leave fans wondering if dropping such big names was the right move.
