AB de Villiers Comments on Shreyas Iyer's Exclusion from Asia Cup Squad
AB de Villiers Discusses Shreyas Iyer's Omission
Former South African cricket legend AB de Villiers shared his views regarding the absence of batter Shreyas Iyer from the upcoming Asia Cup squad, praising Iyer for his 'maturity' and 'leadership skills'. Iyer, who recently guided the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to their first Indian Premier League (IPL) finals in ten years with his dynamic leadership and batting, has faced significant backlash from fans and former players over his exclusion from the Asia Cup roster.
On his YouTube channel, De Villiers remarked, 'It's hard to say what might be happening behind the scenes. Perhaps even Shreyas is unaware of the reasons. There could be various factors influencing why he isn't currently favored for this tournament. I would certainly include him in my team more often than not.'
'As I reviewed the squad, I pondered where Shreyas Iyer could fit in. I've noticed fans expressing their disappointment over his absence, and undoubtedly, Shreyas himself is the most affected, given his impressive performances in recent years. He has shown significant growth and has demonstrated strong leadership qualities,' he added.
Factors Behind Iyer's Exclusion According to De Villiers
De Villiers suggested that other underlying factors, such as 'detracting energy from the team', might have contributed to Iyer's exclusion. He emphasized that as a captain, he would prioritize players who 'enhance the team environment and uplift their teammates'.
'Reflecting on my own captaincy, if faced with a 50-50 decision between two players, I would lean towards the one who brings more value off the field. When on-field performance is equal, it's essential to consider aspects like 'Does he contribute positively to the team atmosphere? Does he bring a smile and uplift others? Or is he draining energy from the squad?' De Villiers explained.
'This could potentially be a factor in Iyer's situation. I'm merely speculating, but it's unusual for such a talented player to be left out of the Indian team, especially given his leadership capabilities. Perhaps his presence could create conflicts, or there may be an abundance of leaders within the squad. One day, the truth may emerge, revealing why Shreyas is finding it challenging to secure a spot in Team India,' he concluded.
Shreyas Iyer's Impressive Performance Despite Exclusion
Iyer was the top run-scorer for India and the second overall in the Champions Trophy 2025, amassing 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60, including two fifties and a highest score of 79, playing a crucial role in India's consecutive white-ball title victory.
In the recently concluded IPL 2025, Iyer ranked as the sixth-highest run-scorer, achieving his best season with 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07, featuring six fifties, with a top score of 97*.
Since India's last T20 World Cup victory, the Mumbai batter has participated in 26 T20 matches, scoring 949 runs at an average of 49.94 and a strike rate of 179.73, including one century and seven fifties, with his highest score being 130 not out. His last T20I appearance for India saw him score a half-century in late 2023, following the 50-over World Cup held at home.