Former India player Aakash Chopra stated that Shreyas Iyer is a strong contender for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin on September 9 in the UAE.
However, Chopra questioned whether a suitable batting slot is available for him, given the many top-order batters competing for places in the squad.
The Indian selectors will finalize their squad for the Asia Cup on August 19, ahead of the tournament’s start in the UAE on September 9. Shreyas Iyer, who impressed with performances in the IPL 2025 season, may not be selected. There is said to be only one spot available between Iyer and Tilak Varma.
Shreyas Iyer Impressed in IPL 2025 but Uncertain for Asia Cup 2025
Shreyas Iyer had one of his best IPL seasons in 2025. Iyer guided Punjab Kings (PBKS) to their first final since 2014 and finished as their leading run-scorer. He scored 604 runs in 17 innings at an impressive average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07, including six half-centuries.
The right-handed batter was instrumental in PBKS reaching the summit clash. However, Punjab fell short in the final, losing to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six runs. They also missed the chance to secure their maiden title.
Iyer’s place in the national T20I side is in doubt. He last played a T20I in December 2023. The batter has scored 1,104 runs from 51 T20I matches at an average of 30.67 and a strike rate of 136.13, including eight half-centuries with a best score of 74.
Shreyas Iyer Has Been Absolutely Outstanding – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra opened up about Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion in the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Chopra also stated that Iyer has improved his technique against short balls and showcased powerful hitting, describing his overall performance as outstanding.
“That is a phenomenal question. No one is answering this question, and everything else is being spoken about. Of course, you want him to play. Indian cricket’s beauty is that it has a lot of talent. So many people look ready that if someone were to play, he would change the game. Shreyas Iyer can do that,” Chopra responded.
“If you see his recent IPL performance, he came after sorting out his short-ball problem. He has opened up his stance a little and started hitting very well towards midwicket and long-on. If you leave aside the RCB matches, he has been absolutely outstanding. He took the team to the final,” he added.
The Real Question Is Whether There’s a Place – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also said that there isn’t space for Shreyas Iyer in India’s batting lineup, with players like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav performing well.
“However, the truth is also whether a place is there. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav are already doing well. How will you move any of them? The truth is that when Tilak asked Surya to play him at No. 3, he was played and he scored two hundreds. Surya lost his place. They were flip-flopping between them. So there is no place till No. 4,” Chopra opined.
India have been placed in Group A for the upcoming Asia Cup, alongside UAE, Oman, and rivals Pakistan. Group B will consist of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.