Shreyas Iyer’s return to India’s Test setup remains uncertain despite his recent form and renewed central contract. Although he has been a key performer in India’s white-ball setup and had a standout domestic season, Iyer isn’t currently in the selectors’ plans for either the senior team or the India A squad.
His potential Test comeback largely hinges on Virat Kohli’s decision about his red-ball future. Kohli is reportedly considering retirement from Test cricket, and if that happens before the England tour, it could open up a spot for Iyer in the middle order. Until then, his role in the red-ball setup is ambiguous, with the BCCI and selectors cautious about rushing him back.
Kohli’s Call May Trigger a Key Shift
Kohli’s decision is being closely monitored by the BCCI, especially during this crucial transitional phase following Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Reports suggest the board is trying to convince Kohli to delay his retirement, as his experience could ease the leadership vacuum.
If Kohli exits, it may not only pave the way for Iyer but also shift the Test team’s structure significantly, with players like KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and potentially Shubman Gill expected to step up as leaders. With the England tour seen as a fresh chapter, any vacancy created by Kohli could bring new faces into the squad—putting Iyer back into contention.
Iyer’s Journey Back from the Brink
After being dropped from the BCCI’s central contract list earlier due to questions over his domestic commitment, Iyer made a strong comeback. He had cited a back injury for missing Ranji Trophy matches, but the BCCI wasn’t convinced, especially as it prioritizes players who commit to domestic cricket over IPL.
Eventually, Iyer joined Mumbai during the knockout stages and played a crucial role in their Ranji Trophy win. His continued strong performances in the 2024–25 domestic season earned him a return to the central contract list. Despite that progress, Iyer’s Test return still faces hurdles, and only a major shift—like Kohli’s retirement—may offer him a clear path back into the side.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
