Former India spinner R. Ashwin has strongly criticised the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal from India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, calling the decision “sad and unfair” in a candid video posted on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin, known for his analytical take on the game, expressed disappointment at the selectors’ choices, particularly given the form and recent performances of both players.
“Selection is a thankless job. You have to let someone out. When you talk to them, you have to go through that sadness and disappointment in their faces,” he said. “I hope, someone has talked to Shreyas and Jaiswal.”
Highlighting Shreyas Iyer’s exceptional Indian Premier League season, Ashwin pointed out that the batter had overcome significant challenges and proven himself under pressure.
“What Shreyas has done wrong… he did brilliantly well for KKR, made them win. He was sent into the auction. He then took Punjab to the finals for the first time since 2014. He overcame the short ball problem. He was hitting the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah with ease in the IPL,” Ashwin noted. “I am just extremely sad for him and Yashasvi Jaiswal; it is extremely unfair.”
Shreyas, who last featured in a T20 international in December 2023, was dropped from all formats earlier this year after being omitted from the central contracts list. However, he staged a strong comeback during the ICC Champions Trophy, earning praise for his performances in the One-Day Internationals and regaining his place in the player retainership.
“Look at the credentials of Shreyas. He went out of the team. But came in the Champions Trophy and did amazing batting. He won and gave it to you,” Ashwin stressed.
Ashwin also questioned the logic behind Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the 15-member squad as vice-captain, despite being only a standby in the T20 World Cup squad. “If the answer is that Shubman Gill is in blasting form, Shreyas is also in high-quality form,” he argued.
He didn’t hold back while advocating for Jaiswal either: “Jaiswal’s innings on a tricky pitch in the last game in the Oval… he is also in cracking form. So, how can you give an answer for this?”
“When you have Jaiswal as your third opener, you have brought Shubman Gill in the team by removing a person from the World Cup winning squad. I mean, I am happy for Shubman but I am very, very sad for both Shreyas and Jaiswal. It’s just not fair on both,” Ashwin concluded.
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