The legendary South African national cricket team batter Ab de Villiers has speculated some major reasons behind the snub of the 2025 Asian Cup team star batter Shreyers iyer.
One speculation that Ab de Villiers took was that the presence of Shreyas Ayer would have meant a clash between him and “too many leaders” in the Indian dressing room, Suryakumal Yadav and Shubman Gill.
Who knows what’s going on behind closed doors – Villiers
Chief selector of India’s Cricket Committee (BCCI) Ajit Agarkar has been on the receiving end of a fierce rebound since unveiling the Indian team for the 2025 Asian Cup.
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He is primarily faced with criticism for choosing Shreya Aier on his team despite consistent and exceptional performances from batters in 2025.
Iyer saw an incredible touch in the Home ODI series with the England National Cricket Team and finished as India’s leading rangetter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
He then led the Punjab Kings (PBK) from the front of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with an explosive knock, taking his team to the finals, and ultimately losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Schreyers Aier’s absence from the Asian Cup 2025 team shocked many, and now legendary batsman Abu de Villier has expressed surprise at the selector’s decision. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ab de Villiers said:
“Who knows what’s going on behind closed doors? You might not even know Shureyas. There may be a few things that have happened over the years. I decided why he wasn’t the taste of this month.
He has matured many and shows many leadership qualities – AB de Villiers
Proteas further said he has matured and emerged as a great leader. He said:
“I’ve just read that team and thought about where Schreyja Aier would suit me. I’ve seen fans get mad at his elimination. Schreyjas is the most upset because he’s played really good cricket in the last few years.
De Villiers said while speculating from the Indian team on the reasons behind the Iyer snub.
“When I was captain, if there’s a 50-50 call between two players, I’m always leaning towards a guy who offers more from the team’s perspective. When it’s 50-50 on the field, does he add value in the team room?
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Maybe it’s too many conflicts with him – Villiers
Another reason De Villiers felt that it could lead to Iyer’s expulsion was the possibility of a dressing room war between him, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill.
“Maybe that has something to do with that, especially with the leadership qualities he brings, it’s strange that a quality player like him won’t create a starting team for Team India,” he said.
“Maybe there are too many clashes with him, too many leaders and too many captains. Maybe once the truth comes out, you can see why Shreiya is having a hard time joining Team India.”