Why Shreyas Iyer Turned Down Nike’s Invite To Wimbledon 2025

Shreyas Iyer had a golden ticket to Centre Court this summer—but he chose not to take it. The India batter said he declined Nike’s invitation to attend Wimbledon 2025, joking that “the whole of India was in London” and hinting he preferred to keep a lower profile while focusing on cricket. It was a small decision, but it said a lot about where his head is right now.

Why He Said No

Iyer has a long-standing brand relationship with Nike, and the offer to watch Wimbledon was tempting. Still, he decided to skip the high‑glamour box and stay out of the spotlight during a busy phase for Indian sport. The call fits his current approach: pick his moments, keep attention on training, and avoid noise that doesn’t help his game.

The Barcelona Meet-Up

Even though he skipped the final, Iyer did meet Carlos Alcaraz a day later in Barcelona. Both athletes are Nike endorsers, and the brand facilitated the crossover conversation. It was a quieter, more focused engagement—no Centre Court cameras, just two pros swapping notes after a long season.

Where His Cricket Stands

Iyer has been in headlines since missing out on the Asia Cup squad, a selection that sparked plenty of debate. His next assignment is hands‑on: captaining India A in two four‑day games against Australia A later this month. It’s a direct runway back toward the Test setup, with performances—more than opinions—deciding the pace of his return.

Champions Trophy High

Earlier this year, Iyer called India’s Champions Trophy win the best feeling he has had on a cricket field. It was a high‑stakes event and he played his role with calm and control. Moments like that explain his current priorities: fewer red carpets, more hours in the nets, and a clear eye on the next big series.

Preparation Over Hype

Iyer has been vocal about process. Trust the prep, he says, and the results will follow. If the work is right and the routines are tight, one or two off days won’t define a player—the third game will tell the truth. Declining a star-studded day at Wimbledon fits that mindset: keep the main thing the main thing.