With the Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, one of the biggest talking points has been the absence of Shreyas Iyer from India’s T20 squad. After a strong IPL season, many expected the stylish right-hander to return to the shortest format, but the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee chose otherwise, leaving fans and experts debating the decision.

Despite the setback, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has come out in firm support of Iyer. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pathan backed the 29-year-old not only to reclaim his spot in the T20 side but also to be a future leader for India.

“There is no doubt in my mind that @ShreyasIyer15 will not only be in the T20 side but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment,” Irfan Pathan wrote, striking a positive note for the batter’s future.

There is no doubt in my mind that @ShreyasIyer15 will not only be in the t20 side but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 19, 2025

Iyer has been a vital cog in India’s middle order across formats, though his journey hasn’t been without challenges. Injuries and dips in form have occasionally slowed him down, but his numbers in T20 cricket speak volumes.

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Since India’s T20 World Cup triumph, he has played 26 matches, amassing 949 runs at an exceptional average of 49.94 and a blistering strike rate of 179.73. His tally includes a century, seven fifties, and a highest score of 130*, proving he remains one of India’s most impactful batters in the format.

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. Their final group match is set against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

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The Super 4 stage will take place from September 20 to 26, leading up to the grand finale in Dubai on September 28. For Shreyas Iyer, the message from Irfan Pathan is clear—stay patient, stay ready, and the opportunities will return.

Team India squad for Asia Cup: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

Reserve players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.