Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from India's T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup has become a matter of debate, both for fans and cricketing experts alike.
India announced their 15-member squad for the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday, which did not have a place for the experienced Shreyas Iyer.
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Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has now come up in the batters' support, as he believes that despite Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad, he remains an important prospect for the Indian setup - not just as a player, but also in the leadership role.
Irfan Pathan believes Shreyas Iyer will be part of India's T20 leadership soon
Irfan Pathan believes that the Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer will be a part of India's leadership group in the T20I format very soon. Iyer has a lot of experience when it comes to leading a side.
The star Mumbaikar has led multiple franchises in the IPL and has seen a lot of success, including an IPL title with KKR.
Iyer is currently leading the Punjab Kings side, as he ended yet another successful season, leading his side to the IPL finals. Over the years, Iyer has managed to impress one and all with his exceptional leadership skills and is looked at as a strong leader.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Shreyas Iyer will not only be in the T20 side, but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment," said Irfan Pathan.
Shreyas Iyer IPL captaincy records:
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | Win Percentage |
| 77 | 41 | 34 | 53.3% |
There is no doubt in my mind that @ShreyasIyer15 will not only be in the T20 side, but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 19, 2025
While Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad is a setback, his unwavering performances in domestic cricket and growing accolades as a leader in the IPL make him a strong contender for the Indian setup. The batters' focus would now be on having an exceptional domestic season and breaking the doors for India selection.
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