Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has backed the middle order Indian batter Shreyas Iyer despite not being selected in the 20-man squad for the Asia Cup 2025 to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pathan not only supported Shreyas Iyer, but he also believes the batter will soon be in the leadership group of all formats, having had his patience intact. Taking his X account, Pathan wrote, "There is no doubt in my mind that Shreyas Iyer will not only be in the t20 side but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment." There is no doubt in my mind that @ShreyasIyer15 will not only be in the t20 side but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment. — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 19, 2025 Read also: Dhanashree Verma Breaks Silence on Divorce with Chahal What did Ajit Agarkar say on axing Shreyas Iyer? Not having Shreyas Iyer in the squad has raised many questions. Even though Yashasvi Jaiswal has been added as a standby, there's no Iyer, who piled up 243 runs, the second-highest run getter the last time India toured the UAE. 605 runs with a strike rate of around 175 and and average of 50, didnt look convincing enough that BCCI chief selector casually denied the fault from their side "with all regards to Shreyas." Agarkar in the team-selection press conference said, "With regards to Shreyas, not his fault, nor is it ours. It's just that you can pick 15 and at the moment you'll have to wait for his chance." As for Jaiswal, the statement came that India is backing Shubman Gill as the vice captain. In such a scenario, either of Abhishek Sharma or Jaiswal had to miss. Unfortunately, its Jaiswal, because Abhishek can bowl a bit. Agarkar explained, "With Yashasvi Jaiswal, it's just unfortunate. Abhishek Sharma, what he has done in the last few months or a year plus that he can bowl a little bit. One of these guys were always going to miss out."