IPL 2025 heroes who were left out of Asia Cup team

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, the speculations around the selection of many players ended. Reports claim that the squad led

by captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill, boasts a blend of experience and youth. However, the squad that was announced reportedly raised questions as several standout performers from Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 were surprisingly omitted. As the team gears up for the Asian tournament, which is set to take place from September 9, 2025, the absence of players who performed well in the 18th edition of IPL certainly raises questions.

In this listicle we will look at the Top three performers of IPL 2025, who were a standout in the tournament either with their consistent run-making, middle-order firepower or due to their wicket-taking prowess. BCCI reportedly faced backlash by former players and fans on social media platforms, for ignoring these players for the Asia Cup 2025. These players showcased a tactical acumen in the shortest format that helped them to garner their potential into match-winning contributions and in turn bolstering the squad.

Top Performers from IPL 2025 who couldn’t find a place in Indian squad of Asia Cup 2025

1. Shreyas Iyer: The Captain who led from the front

Shreyas Iyer, the Punjab Kings captain, while delivering a career-defining IPL 2025 season, led his team to their first final in 11 years and scored 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07. Iyer’s 39 sixes were the second-highest in the season, trailing only Nicholas Pooran, and his ability to dominate spin on slow pitches made him a perfect fit for UAE conditions. Beyond his batting, Iyer’s leadership transformed Punjab Kings, who hadn’t reached the playoffs since 2014, into title contenders. The decision to select Shubman Gill, who scored 650 runs in IPL 2025, over Iyer, despite the latter’s superior strike rate and leadership credentials, has reportedly drawn scrutiny.

2. B Sai Sudharsan: The Orange Cap holder of 18th edition

B Sai Sudharsan, the Gujarat Titans opener, emerged as the IPL 2025 Orange Cap winner, amassing a staggering 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21 and a strike rate of 156.17. The 23-year-old left-hander delivered a masterclass in consistency, notching six fifties and a century, with a standout 108* that underscored his ability to anchor and accelerate. His performances were instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ campaign, showcasing his adaptability on varied pitches. Sudharsan’s elegant strokeplay and composure under pressure reportedly made him a prime candidate for the national T20I setup, especially in a tournament like the Asia Cup, where UAE’s slow pitches demand technical prowess. The selectors’ preference for established top-order batsmen like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma, coupled with Shubman Gill’s return, likely crowded out opportunities for Sudharsan.

3. Prasidh Krishna: The Purple Cap holder of IPL 2025

Prasidh Krishna, the Gujarat Titans pacer, claimed the IPL 2025 Purple Cap with 25 wickets in 15 matches, boasting an average of 19.52, an economy rate of 8.27, and a strike rate of 14.16 which was the best among the season’s top five wicket-takers. The 29-year-old’s ability to strike in the powerplay and death overs made him a standout, outshining peers like Harshit Rana, who secured a squad spot with 15 wickets at a higher economy rate of 10.18. Krishna’s performances were a testament to his recovery from a 2024 quadriceps injury, re-establishing him as one of India’s premier fast bowlers. Reports claim that selectors prioritised international experience, that’s why despite his dominance, Krishna was overlooked in favor of established pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.