The ongoing debate over Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup squad has intensified, with former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh directly criticizing head coach Gautam Gambhir. The controversy erupted following widespread outrage over the BCCI’s selection decisions, initially directed at chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and has now shifted focus to Gambhir’s alleged influence in the process.
Ramesh, speaking on his YouTube channel, accused Gambhir of not supporting Iyer despite the batter’s exceptional form in domestic and IPL competitions. “He backs the players he likes but completely lets go of those he doesn’t,” Ramesh remarked, suggesting that personal bias, rather than performance metrics, may have influenced selection choices.
The criticism comes in the backdrop of Iyer’s stellar 2025 season. The Delhi batter amassed 604 runs in the Indian Premier League at a strike rate of 174, showcasing consistent power-hitting and adaptability. Additionally, he scored over 300 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at a strike rate of 188, underscoring his dominant form in the T20 format. Despite these impressive performances, Iyer was overlooked for the Asia Cup squad, which is set to begin on September 9 in the UAE.
Ramesh also addressed the ongoing narrative surrounding India’s recent 2-2 draw in the Test series in England. While the series was hailed as a notable achievement for a young Indian side led by Shubman Gill in the absence of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Ramesh contended that excessive credit was being attributed to Gambhir. “Winning consistently abroad had started long back under Kohli and Shastri. But now, just the drawn series in England is being projected as a big achievement in Gambhir’s track record,” he said, emphasizing that the team’s overseas success has a longer legacy than what current narratives suggest.
Highlighting Iyer’s contributions in limited-overs cricket, Ramesh recalled the India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, where Iyer played a pivotal role. Scoring 243 runs — the highest for India and second overall behind New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra — Iyer’s performances were crucial in guiding the team to the title. Yet, according to Ramesh, Gambhir failed to back the batter for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Ramesh also criticized the inclusion of younger, untested players over in-form players like Iyer. He specifically mentioned Yashasvi Jaiswal, calling him an “X-factor player,” but argued that sidelining established performers in favour of standby players undermines team stability and continuity. “Players must be backed when they are high on confidence and in form, not when they fade away. This is the ideal time to reap the rewards of Iyer’s sky-high confidence,” Ramesh said, emphasizing the importance of momentum and morale in team selection.
The former opener’s remarks have reignited debates over favoritism and transparency in India’s team selection process. Critics argue that while personal preferences may play a role, performance consistency should be the primary criterion, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the Asia Cup. Ramesh’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among fans and cricket analysts who feel that Iyer’s exclusion is a missed opportunity for India to field its most in-form players.
As the Asia Cup approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on Gambhir and the selection committee. Questions over whether personal bias or tactical considerations influenced team composition are likely to continue, especially if India struggles to perform without proven players like Shreyas Iyer. For now, the debate highlights the challenges of balancing talent, form, and strategy in India’s ever-competitive cricketing landscape.
