The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the Indian team for the Asia Cup 2025, even as a standby player, raised eyebrows among fans and cricket pundits. Shreyas demonstrated excellent form by scoring 604 runs in 17 matches for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, strengthening his case for inclusion in the Asia Cup squad.
Shreyas Iyer has now been appointed as the captain of the India-A team for the two first-class matches (four-day games) against Australia-A. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel has been named the vice-captain. The team also features stars like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Sudharsan, and Nithish Reddy. Opener KL Rahul and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj will join the team for the second match.
Australia-A will also play three One-Day Internationals against India-A, in addition to the two four-day matches, with these encounters set to take place in Lucknow and Kanpur. Currently, Shreyas Iyer is playing for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy, with the team captained by Shardul Thakur.
India-A Team for Four-Day Matches:
Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Narayan Jagadeesan (Wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (Vice-Captain/Wicketkeeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Harsh Dubey, Ayush Badoni, Nithish Kumar Reddy, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Manav Suthar, Yash Thakur.
Note:
KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj will be included for the second four-day match, replacing two players after the first match.
Australia-A vs India-A Schedule:
First Four-Day Match: September 16-19, Lucknow Second Four-Day Match: September 23-26, Lucknow First ODI: September 30, Kanpur Second ODI: October 3, Kanpur Third ODI: October 5, Kanpur
Shreyas Iyer has recently been playing ODI cricket for the Indian team. His last test match for India was against England in February 2024, and his last T20 international was against Australia in Bengaluru in December 2023.
It seems that Shreyas Iyer's role in Team India is diminishing as young talents outshine him. However, Shreyas might represent India on the Australia tour, where the 'Men in Blue' are set to play three ODIs and five T20s against the hosts in October-November.
