Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has slammed Sunil Gavaskar for his comments on overseas cricketers commenting on Indian team matters.

The announcement of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad sparked discussion, mainly due to the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer. The right-hander, who guided Punjab Kings to this year’s IPL final, failed to find a place in the main team or among the reserves. His absence triggered a wave of criticism, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar facing heat.

Gavaskar didn’t like it and hit back at the overseas cricketers for questioning the composition of the Indian team. He said the selection matters are the selectors’ concern and should not involve foreign opinions.

“It baffles me that overseas cricketers, with no involvement in Indian cricket and only limited knowledge of it, choose to enter the debate and create unnecessary noise. Regardless of how accomplished they were as players or how often they have travelled to India, the selection of the Indian side is not their concern,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Sportstar.

Responding with a touch of humour, Haddin said: “I’m glad he’s listening to the show. We’ve gone global.”

Having served as assistant coach of the Punjab Kings, where he worked closely with Iyer, Haddin reaffirmed his stance. He emphasised that offering insights on global cricket is part of a commentator’s role. The Australian highlighted Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, calmness under pressure, and ability to deliver in crunch moments.

“Our job is to give perspectives on what’s happening in world cricket, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Having worked with Iyer in the IPL, I stand firm on my opinion. I was genuinely taken aback by his omission from the squad. That doesn’t mean the chosen players don’t merit their spots. What I mean is that Iyer’s leadership, his ability to guide the group, and the way he delivered under pressure by setting the example were exceptional,” Haddin said on the LiSTNR YouTube channel.