Shreyas Iyer, India’s middle-order batter, is not expected to return to the Test squad following his lacklustre performance in the Duleep Trophy. According to recent reports, Iyer will likely miss the upcoming series against New Zealand, casting doubts on his place in India’s Test team.
India is gearing up for a busy Test season, starting with a two-match series against Bangladesh and then hosting New Zealand for a three-match Test series before heading to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.
Iyer’s opportunity to impress selectors during the Duleep Trophy was crucial, but he managed only 104 runs across four innings, leading to his exclusion from the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh. A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official expressed scepticism about Iyer’s chances of making it back into the squad, noting that there is no place for him at the moment.
BCCI Officials Express Skepticism Over Shreyas Iyer’s Shot Selection
The official criticized Iyer’s shot selection, particularly highlighting a poor shot off Shams Mulani on a flat pitch, which raised concerns about his decision-making. “He was well set and then played such a shot. When batting on a flat deck, you need to capitalize on the opportunity,” the official remarked.
Iyer last played a Test match against England earlier this year and was dropped after two matches. He has accumulated 811 runs in 14 Tests, averaging 36.86 with one century and five half-centuries. Another BCCI official confirmed that Iyer’s struggles with short-pitched deliveries are a significant reason for his exclusion, especially ahead of the Australia tour.
Despite these setbacks, there is still hope for Iyer if he performs well in domestic cricket. He is expected to be part of the Irani Cup, and if selected for the T20I series against Bangladesh, he may still play in the Irani Cup from October 1. The official noted that Iyer could regain his place with strong performances, especially in the Ranji Trophy, but his current form has raised serious concerns for his Test future.
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