Iyer had scored 604 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 175 and an average of 50.33 in IPL 2025 and even captained Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish. But he failed to find a place in both India\u2019s squad for the Asia Cup and the five reserve players list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"As always, it\u2019s a very strong Indian team that will take the field at the Asia Cup. T20 is a format where India has done really well, and being the current world champions only adds to the confidence. The competition for places is so intense that any squad selection is bound to invite debate.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"For me, Shreyas Iyer\u2019s exclusion stands out, I felt he should have been part of this squad, and there are at least three or four players who could have made way for him,\u201d Paranjape told IANS on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Paranjape, a member of the BCCI\u2019s Cricket Advisory Committee and co-founder of KheloMore, also expressed surprise over pacer Harshit Rana being picked ahead of fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who ended up as IPL 2025\u2019s leading wicket-taker.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was also a bit surprised to see Harshit Rana in the mix. Clearly, he has the coach\u2019s full backing, but I thought someone like Prasidh Krishna might have been a better pick,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Paranjape welcomed the mix of quality spinners in the squad, which he felt could prove handy in UAE conditions. \"On the other hand, the spin department looks very solid with Axar, Varun and Kuldeep. Considering the UAE pitches will mostly be batsman-friendly but might offer some turn, India\u2019s spin options look well covered,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was also a bit surprised to see Harshit Rana in the mix. Clearly, he has the coach\u2019s full backing, but I thought someone like Prasidh Krishna might have been a better pick,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India will play its Asia Cup Group A games against the UAE and the high-stakes clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10 and 14 respectively. They will then face Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19, before the Super Four stage and title clash takes centrestage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n