Despite
Shreyas Iyer's impressive performance in the
Indian Premier League (IPL) and the upcoming Asia Cup in T20 format, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee decided not to include him in the squad.
Former India all-rounder
Irfan Pathan showed strong support for Iyer's future in T20 cricket, suggesting he would not only return to the team but also join the leadership group.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Shreyas Iyer 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," Pathan wrote on X.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Iyer, who has been significant in India's middle order across formats, has previously encountered form and fitness issues.
Since the last T20 World Cup victory, Iyer has demonstrated remarkable statistics, playing 26 matches and accumulating 949 runs. He maintains an average of 49.94 with a strike rate of 179.73, including one century and seven fifties, with his highest score being 130 not out.
India will begin their Asia Cup journey against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by a crucial match against Pakistan on September 14, also in Dubai.
The team will conclude their group stage matches against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
The tournament will advance to the Super 4 stage after the group matches, with the top two teams from each group qualifying.
If India secures the top position in Group A, all their Super 4 matches will be played in Dubai. However, if they finish second, one match will be held in Abu Dhabi while the remaining two will take place in Dubai.
The Super 4 stage will continue from September 20 to 26.
The tournament will conclude with the final match in Dubai on September 28.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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