A brewing war of words over Shreyas Iyer’s omission
The debate around Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has ignited a cross-continental exchange between two former internationals — India legend Sunil Gavaskar and ex-Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
The controversy began when several overseas commentators criticized Iyer’s omission, despite the batter’s impressive IPL campaign where he captained Punjab Kings to the final. Amid the rising commentary, Gavaskar pushed back forcefully, warning against foreign players involving themselves in Indian cricket selection debates.
In response, Haddin addressed Gavaskar’s criticism during an appearance on the LiSTNR YouTube channel, offering both sarcasm and a strong defense of his original opinion.
“I am glad he is listening to the show. We are going worldwide,”
— said Haddin.
“Our job is to give an opinion on what’s topical in world cricket. That’s what we do. We coached him (Iyer) in the IPL and I stand by my take. I was shocked that he wasn’t in the squad and I am not saying the other players (selected) shouldn’t be there. The reason I say that is because just the way he handled our group, he was a great leader and the way he played under pressure, leading from the front. But, yeah, they are obviously going well even with players like him on the sideline,”
— Haddin said
Gavaskar questions the role of overseas commentators
Writing in his column for Sportstar, Sunil Gavaskar made it clear he was not impressed with what he saw as overseas interference in Indian cricket’s internal affairs.
“What is baffling is foreigners who have zero stake in Indian cricket, and much less knowledge about it, wading into the debate and adding fuel to the fire. However great they may be as players and however many times they may have been to India, the selection of the Indian team is strictly none of their business,”
— Gavaskar had written in his column for Sportstar
Gavaskar’s remarks followed a wave of commentary — particularly on social media and YouTube — from ex-players and pundits weighing in on Team India’s selection decisions.
IPL connections deepen the complexity
Haddin’s defense highlights a growing reality in global cricket: former overseas players often work closely with Indian talent through the IPL and franchise leagues, giving them firsthand insight. In Iyer’s case, Haddin served as assistant coach for Punjab Kings and saw the batter lead under pressure.
The debate now raises broader questions about the role of foreign experts in the domestic affairs of major cricketing nations — especially when commercial leagues like the IPL blur national and international lines of engagement.
