Asia Cup: 'I cannot say anything' - Shardul Thakur tight-lipped on Shreyas Iyer snub

Indian bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur has expressed support for teammate Shreyas Iyer after the batter was left out of India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Iyer, who recently led Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in a decade with an aggressive brand of captaincy, was a notable absentee from the 15-member squad announced for the continental event. Asked about the omission, Thakur said it was not a call for players to comment on. “I cannot say that because it is the decision of the selectors and the board. So we cannot say anything about that. But I cannot say anything about that because it is not in my hands,” he told ANI on the sidelines of the inauguration of the MCA Sharad Pawar Museum at Wankhede Stadium. The Mumbai all-rounder, however, backed Iyer to bounce back strongly. “There will be controversies, but as a player, you have to be strong. And Shreyas is also very strong. Whenever he plays in the upcoming matches, I am sure he will give a very good performance,” Thakur added. On India’s campaign at the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9, Thakur underlined the importance of the tournament in the lead-up to the World Cup. “India-Pakistan is always a big match for cricketers and for the country. And the Asia Cup is such a big tournament that it has a lot of importance in the life of a cricketer. We see that before the World Cup, this tournament is played. And the performance in this is carried by the confidence of the team. So Team India will always try to do well in this. And all the players will have our full support,” he said. Thakur also described the inauguration of the MCA museum as a landmark moment for Mumbai cricket, saying it would inspire future generations.