Shreyas Iyer’s omission from India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has sparked widespread criticism from fans and former cricketers. However, even as the selection snub stirred debate, fresh reports suggest that the Indian cricket board and selectors may have far-reaching plans for the middle-order batter, possibly as the future captain of the ODI team.

A day after chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his panel hinted at grooming Shubman Gill for leadership across formats by naming him vice-captain of the Asia Cup-bound T20I squad, a report in Dainik Jagran revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively considering Iyer for the long-term ODI captaincy, potentially through to the 2027 World Cup.

While no official announcement has been made, the development points to a strategic roadmap, especially as the team gears up for a generational transition. Iyer, 30, has long been viewed as one of India’s most reliable batters in the 50-over format. His performances in the recent Champions Trophy strengthened his credentials, where he played a pivotal role in India’s title-winning campaign. Iyer scored 243 runs in five matches with scores of 15, 56, 79, 45, and 48.