Sadagoppan Ramesh accused Gautam Gambhir of not supporting Shreyas Iyer despite his stellar runs, sparking controversy over Iyer’s Asia Cup omission.
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Gautam Gambhir Drawn into Asia Cup Selection Controversy
Following criticism of BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir has now come under scrutiny over Shreyas Iyer’s non-selection for the Asia Cup. Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh alleged that Gambhir did not support Iyer’s inclusion, hinting at favoritism in the selection process.
Despite an outstanding season, with Iyer scoring 604 runs in the 2025 IPL at a strike rate of 174 and over 300 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at a strike rate of 188, he was overlooked for the Asia Cup, starting September 9 in the UAE. The decision has triggered widespread outrage.
On his YouTube channel, Ramesh claimed a false narrative was being built around India’s 2-2 draw in the recent England Test series. While the result was celebrated as a major achievement for a young Indian side led by Shubman Gill in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Ramesh argued it was overemphasized because India struggled in Tests last year under Gambhir. He reminded that India’s consistent overseas success began during the Virat Kohli–Ravi Shastri era. “He backs the players he likes but completely lets go of those he doesn’t,” Ramesh said. “Winning consistently abroad had started long back under Kohli and Shastri. But now, just the drawn series in England is being projected as a big achievement in Gambhir’s track record.”
Shreyas Iyer’s Key Role in India’s Champions Trophy Triumph
Ramesh highlighted India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year, crediting Shreyas Iyer as the decisive factor. Iyer scored 243 runs — the highest by any Indian and second overall behind New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra (263) — leading India to the title.
“Gambhir’s biggest achievement remains the Champions Trophy triumph, and Iyer was the main reason for that success. Yet, Gambhir is not backing him. Someone like Jaiswal, who is an X-factor player, must play all formats. Keeping him on standby is a poor move,” Ramesh added. He further emphasized, “Shreyas Iyer delivered incredible performances in the same UAE during the Champions Trophy and should be a permanent fixture in India’s white-ball teams. Players must be supported when they are high on confidence and in form, not after they fade. This is the perfect time to capitalize on Iyer’s peak confidence.”
