By Krishna Dua 
Shreyas Iyer’s Struggles in Duleep Trophy After Asia Cup Snub
Shreyas Iyer has been one of India’s most talked-about cricketers in recent times. Once regarded as a dependable middle-order batter, he now finds himself at a crossroads in his career. His recent performance in the Duleep Trophy 2025 semi-final, where he managed only 25 runs off 28 balls, has raised serious concerns about his future in the national team setup.
The Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement already made headlines when Iyer was excluded, and his latest struggles only added fuel to the ongoing debate about his place in Indian cricket.
Shreyas Iyer and the Asia Cup 2025 Snub
The Asia Cup is one of the most high-profile tournaments in the cricketing calendar. With the competition being a prelude to the World Cup, selectors often use it as a platform to finalize their squads and identify in-form players.
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Asia Cup 2025 squad shocked many. He was once India’s go-to batter at No. 4 in ODIs, playing crucial innings in ICC tournaments. However, inconsistent form, frequent injuries, and the rise of younger talents like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Tilak Varma meant that Iyer had to make way.
The message from the selectors was clear: performances in domestic cricket and consistency at the international level are non-negotiable.
Duleep Trophy 2025 Semi-Final: The Opportunity Missed
The Duleep Trophy has always been a proving ground for cricketers hoping to return to the national setup. For Iyer, this was the perfect chance to silence critics and remind everyone of his batting prowess.
But the stage did not go as planned. Playing for his zonal team in the semi-final, he could only manage 25 runs from 28 deliveries before losing his wicket. While the innings had a few confident strokes, his dismissal reflected the recurring weakness—failing to convert starts into match-defining knocks.
The semi-final was expected to be his redemption platform after the Asia Cup omission, but the failure has instead intensified discussions about whether he can reclaim his place in the Indian side.
The Larger Problem: Inconsistent Form
Iyer’s career graph has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been marked by frustrating inconsistency. His ODI stats look respectable, with over 2000 runs and an average in the mid-30s. He has played several impactful knocks in limited-overs cricket, but in Tests, his position has never been permanent.
Since 2023, Iyer’s batting has dipped in terms of consistency. Several starts have ended before the 30-run mark, raising questions about concentration and temperament under pressure.
Injuries and Fitness Concerns
Another major factor affecting Iyer’s career has been his battle with injuries. A recurring back problem sidelined him for significant periods, forcing India to look at alternatives in the middle order.
Selectors and management have often stressed the importance of fitness, and with a packed cricket calendar, injury-prone players tend to lose out to those who can maintain peak levels across formats. Iyer’s injury history, unfortunately, has not worked in his favor.
Competition for Middle-Order Spots
The Indian team currently has an abundance of batting talent. The likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Tilak Varma have all made strong cases for themselves. In addition, experienced campaigners like KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya also vie for middle-order roles.
In this crowded space, Iyer’s place looks vulnerable. To make a comeback, he will not only need runs but also big match-winning contributions that leave no doubts in the selectors’ minds.
What Went Wrong in the Semi-Final?
A deeper analysis of his Duleep Trophy semi-final innings shows the following issues:
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Lack of patience: After settling in, Iyer went for a risky shot too early in the innings.
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Technical gaps: His weakness against deliveries outside off-stump once again proved costly.
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Pressure factor: Knowing that every run counted toward his India comeback might have weighed heavily on him.
Such recurring issues have often been highlighted by experts, and the latest failure was another reminder that technical adjustments are necessary.
Expert Opinions on Iyer’s Future
Cricket pundits have had divided opinions about Shreyas Iyer.
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Optimistic voices believe he still has the class and experience to return stronger. His ability to handle spinners, in particular, is seen as a valuable asset in subcontinental conditions.
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Critical voices argue that Indian cricket cannot afford prolonged experiments when younger players are delivering consistent performances.
With the selectors looking to build a team for future ICC tournaments, patience for inconsistent performers seems to be running out.
Shreyas Iyer’s Strengths
Despite the criticism, Iyer remains a talented batter with several strengths:
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Playing spin: He is one of the better Indian batters against quality spin attacks.
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Aggressive strokeplay: When set, he can change the course of a game quickly.
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Experience: Having played in ICC tournaments and high-pressure matches, Iyer knows what it takes at the top level.
These qualities mean that he cannot be written off entirely. However, they need to be backed with performances in domestic and international cricket.
Shreyas Iyer’s Weaknesses
To balance the picture, it is equally important to highlight his shortcomings:
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Struggles against short-pitched bowling: A weakness that has been repeatedly exposed at the international level.
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Conversion rate: Too many innings end between 20–40 runs, without big scores.
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Injury record: Fitness concerns have forced him out of crucial tours.
Unless these areas are addressed, selectors may continue to look past him.
Path to Redemption
For Shreyas Iyer, the road back to the Indian team is not closed. Here are steps he could take:
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Big domestic runs: He must dominate tournaments like the Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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Work on technique: Addressing issues against short balls and off-side deliveries should be a priority.
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Maintain fitness: A consistent injury-free season will increase his chances.
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Seize IPL form: The Indian Premier League remains a powerful platform to impress selectors.
Psychological Battle
More than the physical or technical aspects, Iyer is fighting a psychological battle. Being dropped after years of hard work can dent confidence, and bouncing back requires immense self-belief.
He will need to mentally reset, treat every domestic game as an opportunity, and focus on process rather than outcome. Cricketers like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have shown how comebacks are possible through perseverance, and Iyer must take inspiration.
Fan Reactions and Public Sentiment
Fans on social media were divided after his semi-final dismissal. While some supported him, asking for patience, others felt it was time to move on. Public sentiment often plays a role in shaping perceptions, and at the moment, Iyer’s stock among fans seems lower than it has been in the past.
The Selectors’ Perspective
From the selectors’ point of view, consistency, fitness, and adaptability are the key criteria. With India eyeing future ICC tournaments, they are unlikely to gamble on players who are out of form or prone to injuries.
Iyer’s challenge will be to force them into reconsideration with weight of runs rather than reputation.
Conclusion: A Defining Phase in Shreyas Iyer’s Career
Shreyas Iyer’s journey is at a defining phase. Once hailed as India’s long-term solution to the middle-order problem, he now stands at a crossroads. His recent 25-run innings in the Duleep Trophy semi-final has only magnified concerns about his form and consistency.
But cricket has always been a game of comebacks. If Iyer can address his weaknesses, stay fit, and pile up domestic runs, there is still hope. The talent is undeniable; what he needs now is discipline, determination, and hunger to fight his way back.
The coming months will decide whether Shreyas Iyer revives his career or fades away from the national setup