Maninder Singh Questions Exclusion of Jaiswal and Iyer from Asia Cup

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) - Former India spinner Maninder Singh expressed his disappointment on Monday regarding the exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer from the Indian squad for the Asia Cup, which is set to commence on September 9. “See, I was a little disappointed not to see these two names. Jaiswal, I think, is ready for any format and he should be there in any team," he told PTI Videos.

Maninder further elaborated on Iyer's omission, stating, "As far as Iyer is concerned, I mean, you know, I really don't know why he keeps getting left out of the Indian side because he's such a fantastic player and such a positive player and contributes to the team." He lamented the recurring pattern of overlooking talented players like Iyer. "But then this has been happening for years. And when another couple of years go, you don't give him a chance, you'll find somebody else and you'll forget about all these things. But that shouldn't happen."

India heads into the Asia Cup as the defending champions, with Suryakumar Yadav at the helm, as the tournament acts as a crucial preparation ground for next year’s World Cup, which will be held in India.

On the topic of Shubman Gill's elevation to vice-captain, Maninder Singh believes it's a strategic move by the selectors to groom Gill as the future captain. "See, I feel that the selectors have basically decided that he is going to be our future captain. And if he is going to be our future captain, then you better make him the vice-captain because Surya Kumar Yadav may have just another two years of T20 cricket, then you have Gill ready under him."

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