Team India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the T20I format will be announced within a few days.

Meanwhile, the selectors are in a dilemma to choose the best talented players to fit in the middle order. Especially, the increasing competition from the star performers like Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav makes the selection process much more complicated.

One such cricketer who stands out as a main contender is none other than Shreyas Iyer, given his form, composure, experience, and ability to perform well under pressure.

As the 17th edition of the Asia Cup is ready to kickstart on September 09, let’s take a look at those three main reasons that reveal why Iyer is eligible enough to secure a spot in India’s T20I squad.

1. Consistency in 20-Overs Format

As of now, Shreyas Iyer has played only 51 T20Is, but has accumulated 1,104 runs in 47 innings, averaging at 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12, including 8 fifties as well.

Especially in a 20-overs format, anchoring the innings is a grueling task for any batter. But this is where Iyer succeeds, given his ability to maintain composure in the middle overs and accelerate his performance in the death overs.

Since his international debut in 2017, Shreyas has been a consistent match-winner for India.

Considering his stats in the domestic circuit, the right-handed batter has been the leading run scorer for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25, having scored 345 runs in 9 matches.

Also, Iyer’s peak form was evident in IPL 2025, where he scored 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.34, adding 6 half-centuries to his name.

2. Leadership Skills and Composed Demeanor in High-Pressure Matches:

In IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer’s calm decision-making skills and clever tactics led Punjab Kings (PBKS) to their second final. So, there are chances that Iyer could become the future captain for India in T20Is.

While Suryakumar Yadav is currently riding on a high success as Team India’s regular skipper in 20-over, he would turn 35 in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025 this September. And by the 2028 T20 World Cup, SKY would be 37 years old.

Although Shubman Gill became India’s test captain at 25, the team management would be actively searching for alternatives in the shortest format.

In such conditions, Shreyas emerges as the frontrunner to take over the captaincy role from Suryakumar in the future. He guided Delhi Capitals (DC) to their first-ever IPL final in 2020 and led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL trophy in 2024 before captaining PBKS for another title clash in 2025.

No matter if it is any high-profile ICC tournament or bilateral series, Iyer’s ability to handle high-pressure moments and his dynamic performance in the middle order make him a valuable asset in the squad. 

3. Adding Strength to the Middle Order

India’s top-order in T20Is has been much stronger, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as the openers. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have been comfortable alternating at the No.3 and No.4 batting positions.

But the No.5 spot has been a concern for Team India. Even though Rinku Singh’s power-hitting abilities make him eligible to bat in the middle order, his lack of form in recent matches leaves a void in the fifth position.

Also, the pace bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube have been shifted in their batting positions. Therefore, Shreyas Iyer emerges as a promising option to permanently secure his role as a No.5 batter in T20Is. The 30-year-old can help the scoreboard accelerate regardless of the fall of wickets.

The following stats prove Shreyas’s ability to bat from third to fifth position in T20Is for India:

Final Opinion: Why Shreyas Iyer Could Be the Best Choice Over Other Contenders for Asia Cup 2025?

Although other contenders like Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Nitish Kumar Reddy can add firepower to the batting line-up, Shreyas Iyer’s recent form makes him the favorite to get included in the playing XI. His presence boosts India’s confidence, given his match-winning experience in big tournaments.

Especially, Iyer’s ability to tackle the spinners by following a calculated approach of composure and aggression can prove to be tactical against a heavy spin bowling attack in the middle overs.

Overall, Iyer’s inclusion at No.5 offers India a well-settled playing XI combination, which could certainly make a big difference in fierce contests like the Asia Cup.