Shreyas Iyer is all set to make his T20I comeback. Off the back of an incredible run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the 30-year-old will be included in India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Shreyas showed his 2.0 version last year but upgraded that to 3.0 as he moved from the Kolkata Knight Riders to the Punjab Kings.
Shreyas Iyer in, Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh out
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is floored by his transformation. According to Sportstar, the Indian team management wants a middle-order batter who’s got experience of playing in slow, low, and spin-friendly conditions in the UAE.
Shreyas fits this bill exactly. One can’t forget that he was India’s best batter in the Champions Trophy 2025, which was held in the UAE. He’s one of the best spin hitters in the game and has taken his play against pace to another level. However, Shreyas’ inclusion means the exclusion of either Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh.
Both were part of India’s team in the last T20I series they played against England. Both of them will have to make way. Neither did well in the IPL 2025 season, especially considering the lofty standards that are required to play for India’s T20I team. But one has to wonder how Dube will play if Shreyas, who, like him, is an exceptional player of spin, is selected.
IPL 2025 stats comparison
| Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100s | 50s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | 17 | 604 | 97* | 50.33 | 175.07 | 0 | 6 |
| Shivam Dube | 14 | 357 | 50 | 32.45 | 132.22 | 0 | 1 |
| Rinku Singh | 11 | 306 | 38* | 29.42 | 153.73 | 0 | 0 |
Jitesh Sharma over Dhruv Jurel
Jitesh Sharma was perhaps the best finisher in IPL 2025. His cameo in the final and 33-ball 85-run knock against Lucknow Super Giants will be remembered. We saw an improved version of Jitesh at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru with another exceptional finisher, Dinesh Karthik, as his coach.
Such was his performance that Jitesh will pip Dhruv Jurel as India’s second wicket-keeper after Sanju Samson. Jurel was in the squad against England and even played 2 games. Jurel’s numbers are exactly better than Jitesh’s in the death overs, but he couldn’t create the same impact. One can’t forget, Jitesh’s best performances came in wins.
One understands winning or losing isn’t entirely in one player’s hands, but Jitesh did the job when it mattered the most and came out on top. Jurel didn’t.
Death over stats in IPL 2025
| Balls | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jitesh Sharma | 61 | 115 | 28.75 | 188.52 |
| Dhruv Jurel | 67 | 133 | 33.25 | 198.50 |
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
