Ishant Sharma fires shots at Shreyas Iyer after recent Asia Cup 2025 controversy

Veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma made a huge statement on Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the India squad for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The pacer stated that while fans have their favorites, selectors face the impossible task of fitting everyone into a 15-member squad.

Ishant took 311 wickets from 105 Tests at an average of 32.40. He is the second-highest wicket-taker among Indian pacers in Test cricket. The pacer also featured in 80 ODIs, taking 115 wickets. He was last seen in action during IPL 2025 for the Gujarat Titans (GT), where he picked up four wickets in seven matches.

Not saying Shreyas Iyer isn’t a class player - Ishant Sharma

Speaking to Raj Shamani’s YouTube channel, Ishant Sharma said that Shreyas Iyer is a class player, but it is difficult to decide whom he should replace. Ishant jokingly added that the ICC should allow squads to expand to 20 players so deserving names do not miss out.

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“Either you tell the ICC that we have so many players, so let us increase the squad size from 15 to 20. It’s very difficult. Yes, as an individual, you are a fan, but being a selector is the most thankless job. The player who gets picked feels good, but the one left out, like Shreyas Iyer, who should he replace? I’m not saying Shreyas isn’t a class player, no doubt about that,” Ishant told Raj Shamani.

True words by Ishant Sharma the players who don’t get selected are seen as good & the ones who do get picked are considered bad.
Shreyas Iyer’s fans were outraging over his nonselection in the Asia Cup, but not even once they point out the right player. They were just after Gill. pic.twitter.com/0EdEZAduxC

— LaPulga (@LAPULGA_11) September 23, 2025

Shreyas Iyer’s Performances for India Across International Cricket

Shreyas Iyer, who made his T20I debut in 2017, last played in the format in 2023, when he scored 53 off 37 balls. He has scored 1,104 runs in 51 T20Is at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12, including eight fifties, with a best score of 74 runs.

The middle-order batter had a sensational IPL 2025 season with the Punjab Kings (PBKS). He scored 604 runs in 17 innings at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07. Iyer took PBKS to the final in his very first year as captain. He also guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a title win in 2024.

Iyer has played 135 matches for India across international formats. He has scored 4,760 runs at an average of 40.68, including 35 fifties and six centuries.

Shreyas Iyer Pulls Out of Windies Tests After Stepping Down as India A Captain

According to a report in The Indian Express, Shreyas Iyer requested the BCCI and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for a break from red-ball cricket, including Tests and first-class matches. The 30-year-old batsman made this decision after withdrawing from the series against Australia A in Lucknow.

Iyer stated that he has been struggling to handle the pressure of the longer format. The right-handed batter last played a Test for India in February 2024. He has featured in 14 matches, scoring 811 runs at an average of 36.86, including one century and five half-centuries.

The Mumbai batsman recorded low scores in the Duleep Trophy and managed only 8 runs in India A’s match last week. The selectors had originally planned to use these games to prepare him for a Test comeback against the West Indies next month.

Also read: CSK star kicked out as RCB superstar officially appointed India captain