Shreyas Iyer given a call by BCCI President to join team India in England

Shreyas Iyer given a call by BCCI President to join team India in England

**Former Indian Captain Expresses Disappointment Over Shreyas Iyer’s Exclusion from Test Squad for England Tour**

**Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and BCCI president, recently expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the Test squad for the upcoming tour of England. Ganguly emphasized Iyer’s exceptional form across all formats over the past year and highlighted the batter’s notable improvement.**

**In the IPL 2025 season, Iyer showcased his prowess by scoring 604 runs in 17 matches, boasting an impressive average of over 50 and a remarkable strike rate of 175.07, which was the highest among the top 10 run-scorers. His stellar performance played a pivotal role in guiding Punjab Kings (PBKS) to their first IPL final since 2014.**

**Despite his remarkable achievements, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his panel opted not to include Iyer in the squad for the England tour. Ganguly, in an interview with RevSportz, expressed his belief that Iyer possesses the ability to handle pressure and take on responsibilities. He stated that he would have included Iyer in the squad to assess his capabilities in the Test format.**

**”He has been playing at his best in the last one year and should have been in this team. Last one year has been fantastic for him. He isn’t the player who got left out. He is now scoring under pressure, taking responsibility, playing the short ball well. Although Test cricket is different, I would have had him in this series to see what he can do,” Ganguly told RevSportz.**

**Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Test squad for the England tour has raised eyebrows, especially considering his consistent presence in the ODI setup. His last Test appearance was in 2024 against England at home, where he showcased his batting prowess. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, Iyer amassed 480 runs at an impressive average of 68.57, including two centuries.**

**With the retirement of Virat Kohli and , Iyer’s absence from the Test squad comes as a surprise. India is set to kick off their five-match Test series against England on June 20 at Headingley. The middle-order responsibilities will now rest on the shoulders of captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant.**

**The absence of Iyer opens up opportunities for players like Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair to potentially make it to the playing XI, depending on the team’s strategy. Choices may vary between a batting-heavy lineup or the inclusion of a seam-bowling all-rounder such as Shardul Thakur or Nitish Kumar Reddy.**

**Despite the challenges posed by the absence of key players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Ganguly remains optimistic about India’s chances in the upcoming Test series against England. He believes that India has the potential to emerge victorious, emphasizing the importance of strong batting performances and the fitness of key players like Jasprit Bumrah. Ganguly drew parallels to India’s memorable victory in Melbourne during the 2020-21 Australia tour, showcasing the team’s resilience in challenging circumstances.**

Exploring Shreyas Iyer’s Potential Impact in Test Cricket

While Sourav Ganguly’s disappointment over Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Test squad for the England tour is palpable, it raises questions about the selection criteria and the player’s potential impact in the longer format of the game. Iyer’s consistent performances in white-ball cricket have undoubtedly caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and experts alike, but his prowess in Test cricket remains relatively unexplored.

One aspect that makes Iyer a compelling choice for Test cricket is his ability to adapt to different situations and handle pressure effectively. His temperament and technique have been lauded by many cricketing stalwarts, indicating that he may possess the qualities required to succeed in the traditional format of the game.

Moreover, Iyer’s recent form in domestic cricket, as evidenced by his stellar performance in the Ranji Trophy, further strengthens the argument for his inclusion in the Test squad. The experience gained from playing in domestic red-ball cricket can provide valuable insights into his ability to tackle the challenges posed by the longer format.

Potential Lineup Adjustments and Strategic Considerations

With Iyer’s absence creating a void in the middle order, the team management will need to consider various lineup adjustments and strategic approaches to maintain a balanced and competitive playing XI. The inclusion of players like Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair could provide additional depth to the batting lineup, offering different options based on the team’s requirements.

Furthermore, the decision to include a seam-bowling all-rounder like Shardul Thakur or Nitish Kumar Reddy could add versatility to the team composition, providing additional bowling options and bolstering the lower order. The strategic choices made by the selectors will play a crucial role in shaping India’s approach in the Test series against England.

Ganguly’s Optimism and India’s Potential for Success

Despite the challenges posed by the absence of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Sourav Ganguly’s unwavering optimism about India’s chances in the upcoming Test series against England is a testament to his belief in the team’s capabilities. The emphasis on strong batting performances and the fitness of key players like Jasprit Bumrah underscores the importance of a well-rounded team effort.

Ganguly’s reference to India’s historic victory in Melbourne during the Australia tour highlights the team’s resilience and ability to excel in adverse conditions. This resilience, coupled with the talent and determination of the current crop of players, sets the stage for an engaging and competitive series against England.

In conclusion, while Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the Test squad may have sparked debates and discussions, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark. The upcoming Test series promises to be a test of skill, character, and teamwork, with India aiming to continue their legacy of success in international cricket.

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