The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently finalized the squad for the five-match Test series in England, marking a transition for the Indian team. With Shubman Gill named captain and Rishabh Pant as his deputy, this selection hints at a generational shift.
While the return of Karun Nair after eight years and debuts for B Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh made headlines, one of the biggest talking points was the omission of Shreyas Iyer, a player many expected to feature in the squad.
Why Shreyas Iyer Was Left Out
1. Technical Concerns Raised by Monty Panesar
Former England spinner Monty Panesar spoke out about Iyer’s exclusion, citing technical flaws. While acknowledging Iyer’s talent, Panesar pointed out that Iyer’s “quick hands” might work against him in swing-friendly English conditions, making him vulnerable to early dismissals. This insight suggests that the selectors are prioritizing players more suited to specific overseas conditions.
2. Selectors Emphasize Squad Competition
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the issue bluntly: “Right now there’s no room in Test cricket for him.”
This highlights the depth of India’s current Test squad, especially in the middle order, where competition is fierce. Despite Iyer’s capabilities, the available talent pool left no space for him in the final lineup.
3. Red-Ball vs. White-Ball Temperament
According to reports from Cricket.one, selectors are making a conscious effort to differentiate between white-ball and red-ball cricket. Iyer’s aggressive batting style, though effective in ODIs and T20s, might not align with the measured approach needed in Test cricket.
Players like Karun Nair, who offer calm and patience at the crease, were preferred. This points to a shift in selection strategy, focusing more on mental temperament and Test-match composure than recent form in limited overs.
What Iyer Needs to Do for a Comeback
To return to the Test setup, Iyer may need to:
- Refine his red-ball technique, especially against swing and seam.
- Show adaptability in domestic longer-format games.
- Demonstrate mental resilience suited for Test conditions, particularly outside Asia.
While he remains a key part of India’s white-ball future, his Test ambitions may require consistent performances in red-ball cricket to realign with the selectors’ expectations.
Final Thoughts
Shreyas Iyer’s omission is not a reflection of his talent, but a result of nuanced selection criteria focused on conditions, temperament, and competition. The selectors appear to be making data-driven and format-specific decisions, and for Iyer to return, he’ll have to adapt and evolve.
Written by – Smita Singh
