Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has spoken on the exclusion of batter Shreyas Iyer from India's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. Karthik expressed disappointment that a player of Iyer’s caliber, particularly given his recent form, did not find a place in the squad. Iyer's omission has become a big talking point considering that he has been in superb touch in the shortest format in recent months, stringing together consistent performances.
"Where is Shreyas Iyer? That's the big question, isn't it? How could he miss out? To a point, it's understandable. He wasn't part of the 15, considering how well team India have done. 17 out of the last 20 they have won so okay, continuity, fair. But not making him part of the other five players which you have earmarked for the near future with the T20 World Cup in mind?" Karthik said in a video on his Instagram channel.
Karthik felt that India's squad is strong; however, Iyer should have been part of it.
"Closing doors on him? That's a tad bit unfair and I hope it doesn't happen because he has done outstandingly well as a leader, but even better as a batter under pressure. It looks a solid squad but again Shreyas Iyer I feel should have been a part of the 20 for sure," he added.
Iyer, who last played a T20I for India back in 2023, has played 51 T20Is for India, scoring 1104 runs at 30.66 with a strike rate of 136.12.