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Key Points

Brad Haddin expressed genuine shock at Shreyas Iyer's omission from India's Asia Cup squad. The former Australian wicketkeeper even expected Iyer to be named captain for the tournament. Haddin praised Iyer's leadership qualities and performance under pressure from their time together at Punjab Kings. Iyer's impressive IPL 2025 performance makes the exclusion particularly surprising to many observers.

Key Points: Brad Haddin Shocked by Shreyas Iyer Asia Cup Omission

  • Haddin surprised by Iyer's Asia Cup squad exclusion
  • Expected Iyer to be named India captain for tournament
  • Praised Iyer's leadership qualities and pressure performance
  • Noted Iyer's strong IPL 2025 with 604 runs at 175 strike rate
2 min read

Actually thought he was going to be captain, says Haddin on Iyer's omission for Asia Cup

Former Australia keeper Brad Haddin expresses surprise at Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from India's Asia Cup squad, saying he expected him to be captain.

"I actually thought he was going to be captain - Brad Haddin"

New Delhi, Aug 22

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin said he was surprised by Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, adding that he even expected the right-handed batter to be named as the side’s captain.

Iyer, who has not featured in T20Is for India since December 2023, was not included in the Suryakumar Yadav-led 15-member Asia Cup squad announced on Tuesday, nor named in the five stand-by players list. Joining the list of former players left surprised by Iyer’s omission is Haddin, who saw him from close quarters as Punjab Kings’ assistant coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

“Well, one, leadership qualities. Two, the style of player he is under pressure. He's someone who everyone plays better when he's in the team. I have no idea. I first thought when I was reading it that he was injured, but he's not.”

“So it's a strange decision for me because he brings so much to the game. I actually thought he was going to be captain,” said Haddin in a video posted on Willow Talk’s social media accounts on Friday.

Iyer, 30, had scored 604 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 175 and an average of 50.33 in IPL 2025. He even captained Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish in the competition, just after captaining his previous franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, to the IPL 2024 trophy.

He will be next seen in action when he turns out for West Zone in the 2025/26 domestic season-opening Duleep Trophy, starting on August 28 at the BCCI CoE grounds in Bengaluru.

West Zone, led by India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, will play their first match of the Duleep Trophy in the semi-final scheduled for September 4, with their opponents to be the winner of the quarter-final clash between Central Zone and North East Zone.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Maybe there's something we don't know? Fitness issues or team dynamics? But his IPL performance was outstanding - 604 runs at 175 strike rate is no joke!
A
Aman W
Selectors have their reasons, but this feels like a missed opportunity. Iyer brings so much experience and leadership to the table. Hope he makes a strong comeback through domestic cricket.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows cricket closely, I think this might be about balancing the team composition. But still, leaving out someone of Iyer's caliber is surprising. Hope he gets his chance soon!
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Vikram M
Maybe it's about giving opportunities to younger players? But Iyer's recent form and captaincy record speak for themselves. BCCI selection committee should explain this decision properly.
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Nikhil C
Back-to-back IPL finals as captain and they don't even include him as standby? Something doesn't add up. Hope he smashes it in Duleep Trophy and forces his way back into contention! 💪

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