Shreyas Iyer Absence is the Shock for Indian Cricket
Shreyas Iyer’s absence from India’s Test squad for the upcoming five-match series against England has raised many eyebrows. With the legendary Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from red-ball cricket, many speculated that Iyer would be a natural fit for No. 4 slot. However, when the (BCCI) shared the Test team squad , Iyer’s name was completely ignored.
A Surprise Omission That Sparked Debate
Given Iyer’s recent performances in domestic competitions like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, his exclusion came as a shock to fans and experts alike. The 29-year-old has consistently showcased his class across all the formats, especially in the shorter formats, where his temperament and shot selection have earned praise. His strong comeback in the Champions Trophy where he played a great knock all over the tournament India’s triumph seemed to signal a Test recall. But the selectors thought otherwise.
What Ajit Agarkar Had to Say
Addressing the media during the squad announcement, Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, clarified the decision. He acknowledged Iyer’s potential and performances but pointed out that the current Test setup didn’t have room for him at the moment.
“There’s no doubt that Shreyas Iyer is a talented cricketer and has been doing well, especially in limited-overs formats. But Test cricket is a different ball game. At this stage, the team combination and structure didn’t allow space for him,” Agarkar said.
He further assured that the door remains open for Iyer, suggesting that continued domestic excellence could earn him another opportunity in the future.
Former Cricketers Reaction
Former Indian pacer Atul Wassan, during a discussion on Bails and Banter on OTT play, expressed his dismay over the decision. Wassan highlighted Iyer’s maturity and consistency, emphasizing that the right-hander had done enough to be part of the Test squad.
“It’s quite surprising. Shreyas has shown the temperament and technical ability needed for the longest format. With seniors like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma unavailable, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Iyer to cement his place. I’m genuinely shocked,” Wassan stated.
He also drew attention to the psychological impact such exclusions can have on a player, saying also currently Shreyas is captaining Punjab Kings and first time after PKBS are in top 4 this needs to be considered as well as per the part of his performance not giving Shreyas chance of captaincy is fine but ignoring him completely from the squad is really shocking.
“You can only imagine Iyer’s mental state. He must be disappointed, especially seeing teammates like Kuldeep Yadav get selected. There’s happiness for them, but personal frustration is understandable.”
Past Controversies & Redemption
It’s worth noting that Iyer was excluded from the BCCI central contracts last year after skipping a domestic fixture, a decision that stirred controversy. However, he made amends with his stellar performance in the Champions Trophy, signaling that he had regained the selectors’ trust. Despite that, his Test dreams remain on hold.
Is There Still Hope?
Agarkar left the door slightly ajar for Iyer’s Test return, stating:
“If he continues performing well and proves his readiness for red-ball cricket, he will definitely be considered again.”
This statement indicates that while Iyer may be out of favor for now, consistent performances at the domestic level and in the Indian Premier League (IPL) could bring him back into contention.
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Test squad may seem harsh given his recent form, but it reflects the intense competition and strategic planning involved in Indian cricket’s longest format. While fans and former players may feel he was unfairly overlooked, selectors have made their stance clear: performance alone isn’t enough—timing, team balance, and role suitability are equally important.
For now, Iyer must bide his time, keep scoring runs, and be ready to seize the opportunity when it finally arrives.