India’s T20 Captain Missing West Indies ODIs? Here’s Why

Shreyas Iyer will miss India’s upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. The reason is his Asian Games 2026 assignment.

Shreyas Iyer will captain India’s men’s cricket team at the Asian Games in Japan, with the tournament taking place at the same time as India’s home series against the West Indies.

India’s West Indies ODI series will begin in September, while the Asian Games cricket tournament will be played in the T20 format in Aichi Nagoya.

The Indian men’s team will directly enter the quarter finals on September 28. The semi finals are scheduled for October 1, with the medal matches taking place on October 3.

The scheduling could create a unique situation for Indian cricket. The third ODI against the West Indies is also scheduled for October 3 in New Chandigarh.

If India reach the Asian Games final, two Indian teams could therefore be playing on the same day in two different countries.

Iyer Asian Games responsibility means he will not be available for the West Indies ODI series.

The BCCI has also backed the Indian contingent heading to Japan. President Mithun Manhas wished the teams well and expressed confidence that India can win gold medals at the Asian Games.

Iyer will lead a strong Indian squad in the men’s cricket event, with players including Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

With Iyer leading the Asian Games side, India will have to manage two teams across two tournaments during a packed international schedule.