"Unfair" - Dinesh Karthik Slams Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup 2025 Exclusion

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes it is “a tad bit unfair” that Shreyas Iyer has been excluded from India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9 in the UAE.

Iyer last featured in a T20I at the start of 2024 but has been in scintillating touch in the IPL over the past two seasons. He guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their first title in a decade in 2024 and followed it up by leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final in 2025, where they narrowly went down to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

His batting numbers underline his case even more. Across the last two IPL editions, Iyer has piled up 955 runs in 31 innings at an average of 45.48 and a strike rate of 163.5.

When asked about Iyer’s omission, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained: “No fault of his or ours, who do we replace in this squad? Like all the players who have missed, Shreyas Iyer has to wait for his chance. It is unfortunate.”

Karthik, however, wasn’t fully convinced. Speaking on his Instagram channel, the 40-year-old said: “Where is Shreyas Iyer? That’s the big question, isn’t it? How could he miss out? To a point, it’s understandable.”

“He wasn’t part of the 15, considering how well Team India have done. 17 out of the last 20 they have won, so okay, continuity, fair. But not making him part of the other five players which you have earmarked for the near future with the T20 World Cup in mind?

“Closing doors on him? That’s a tad bit unfair and I hope it doesn’t happen because he has done outstandingly well as a leader, but even better as a batter under pressure. It looks a solid squad, but again Shreyas Iyer, I feel, should have been part of the 20 for sure.”

Overall, Iyer has played 51 T20Is for India, scoring 1104 runs at 30.66 with a strike rate of 136.12. However, his batting has hit a new peak in recent years, making his absence from the squad one of the most debated talking points heading into the Asia Cup.