Cricketer-turned-expert Harbhajan Singh has slammed Chair of selectors Ajit Agarkar for not picking two X-factor players in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, which was announced on Tuesday, August 19. The selector, along with T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, picked an extremely balanced squad, which had more two-dimensional players than one-dimensional players. However, the exclusion of three names in the Continental Cup - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, & Mohammed Siraj irked a lot of fans and experts.
Harbhajan was among several other experts who questioned Agarkar's exclusion of two X-factor players - Shreyas & Siraj. The latter was the highest wicket-taker in the five-match Test series against England, while the former scored more than 600 runs for PBKS with a strike rate of 175.
"I feel that Siraj's name should have been included as well. Siraj bowled very well in the recent series," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
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"Yes, he bowled a lot in England, but he also got adequate rest. So he could have been included. If he had been picked, the team would have looked even stronger. The bowling unit would have been stronger. I feel that the X-factor Siraj brings might be somewhat missed," he added.
Shreyas Iyer's omission surprised me: Harbhajan Singh
The expert also raised eyebrows when Shreyas Iyer's name was no where to be found in the 15-member Asia Cup squad, or the Standby players list. The PBKS captain not only scored runs in the IPL 2025 season, but he did with a fearless attitude & intent. Walking in at number three, the right-hand batter took on the opposition bowlers and scored boundaries at will.
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"I had hoped he (Shreyas Iyer) would get a place in the team. He scored a lot of runs, played in the IPL final, and was in very good form. I thought his name could have been there. As for whose spot he would take, that is for the selectors to decide. When someone has to be included or left out, a spot is made. But I did not see Shreyas Iyer's name there, which surprised me a little," he added.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: No Yashasvi Jaiswal & Shreyas Iyer in the Continental Cup; Check out players missed
The Asia Cup 2025 tournament will kick off on September 09, with defending champions India set to begin their campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE. Eight teams will compete in the Continental Cup, which will be played in a T20I format.
