 "Shreyas Iyer in action for Team India. Image: AP")
Shreyas Iyer has had a difficult past week. The right-handed batter received a massive snub from the Asia Cup 2025 squad, and as per a striking new record, the 30-year-old even lost the opportunity to captain the West Zone side in the upcoming Duleep Trophy fixture, scheduled to take place on September 4.
Having performed exceptionally well across all the dais over the past eight months, Iyer anticipated selection for the Asia Cup squad. Expecting to be occupied with the continental tournament, he declined the opportunity to captain the West Zone team, according to The Times of India.
Shreyas Iyer turned down opportunity to captain West Zone
Following his rejection, the West Zone selectors turned to their second option, Shardul Thakur.
“Yes, it’s true Iyer turned down the offer from the West Zone selection committee to captain the team. After that, the chairman of the committee, Sanjay Patil, who is also the Mumbai chief selector, approached Thakur to lead West Zone, an opportunity that Thakur gladly accepted,” Times of India quoted a source as saying.
The report also states that Iyer had even begun his white-ball training with personal coach, Pravin Amre, at the MCA facility and the Cricket Club of India.
Given that, Iyer is not in the Asia Cup squad and had opted to say no to West Zone captaincy, it is a double blow for the player. His non-inclusion in the 15-member Team India squad had become a hotly debated subject, and many experts have expressed shock over his non-selection. Many have even criticised the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for overlooking the player, despite him ticking all the boxes.
What’s next for Shreyas Iyer?
Shreyas Iyer is a part of the West Zone squad that will play the Duleep Trophy semi-final on September 4. Hence, there are bright chances that he will feature in the game.
As for a return to the international circuit, Iyer could make the cut for the ODI series against Australia, that will take place in in October, or may even return to the Test set-up in the series against West Indies, which will also be held in October.