NEW DELHI: The talks were doing the rounds that Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir emerged as a big reason behind the omission of Shreyas Iyer from India's 15-member Asia Cup squad. However, an NDTV report suggested that Gambhir was not even part of the meeting that selected the squad.
The officials in attendance included BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and Sridharan Sharath. T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav was also present.
"Gautam was not a part of the selection meeting. He did not join on video call either. Coaches are a part of the selection process, because they are consulted on the pool of available players. But they are never at the meeting, unless called in as a special invitee ahead of some major events," NDTV wrote in their report quoting sources.
"The coach is constantly in touch with the pool of 25-27 players. He is in touch with the National Cricket Academy head, with the fitness coach, the strength trainer and the entire backroom staff who provides him information about each player. Depending on the information at hand, he shortlists 20 players, whose roles are then well defined. The final job is done by the selection committee," the BCCI source revealed.
Iyer's father Santosh Iyer, lamented his son's omission from the Asia Cup squad, questioning what more he needs to do to earn a place in the team. He added that Shreyas always remains calm, even when the odds are stacked against him.
"I don't know what else Shreyas has to do to make it to the Indian T20 team. He has been performing so well in the IPL year after year, from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders to Punjab Kings, and that too as a captain. He even captained KKR to the IPL title in 2024, and led PBKS to the final this year. I'm not saying make him the Indian captain, but at least select him in the team," Iyer's father told TOI.
"However, let me tell you that even if he's left out of the Indian team, he doesn't show dissent on his face. He'll just say: 'Mera naseeb hai (it's my luck)! You can't do anything now.' He's always cool and calm. He doesn't blame anybody. Deep inside, he must be naturally disappointed," he added.
