India batsman Shreyas Iyer has come out and said he turned down an invite from Nike, one of the brands that sponsor him, to watch this year’s Wimbledon Championship in London. As many Indian cricketers and celebrities converged at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Iyer stayed away.
“Nike also invited me to Wimbledon. but I chose to avoid it. It seemed like the entire India was in London this year,” said Iyer to GQ India.
“Whole of India Was in London” – Iyer Explains His Decision
The 30-year-old confessed that he did not want to experience the overpowering Indian crowds at the event, facetiously stating that the London environment was more home-like. His choice was remarkable considering many of his colleagues, current and former cricketers alike, went to the grand slam tournament this year.
Carlos Alcaraz Meets Shreyas Iyer in Barcelona
Interestingly, just a day after Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon 2025 men’s singles final, Iyer crossed paths with Alcaraz in Barcelona. Both athletes endorse Nike, and the brand arranged the meeting, blending cricket and tennis fandoms.
Left Out of Asia Cup, But Focused on India A Assignment
Iyer’s disclosure is at a time when he has been on the news regarding his exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 team. His exclusion raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, who felt his experience would have been vital.
Iyer will instead captain India A in an unofficial two-match four-day Test series against Australia A this month, an important move in returning to the national squad.
“Winning Champions Trophy Was Best Feeling Ever” Shreyas Iyer
Talking about his career highlights, Iyer remembered India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year, describing it as the best moment he has enjoyed on a cricket pitch. “Winning the ICC Champions Trophy for India was the best feeling ever,” he revealed on the iQOO podcast.
Preparation Is the Key, Says Shreyas Iyer
The chic right-arm bowler also emphasized the significance of preparation in cricket, how it reduces long-term failures.
“Like we always say, you need to believe in your preparations. Your prep is good and you don’t do well in one or two games, but in the third game definitely you will do well. That I have felt,” Iyer said.
