Shamik Chakrabarty
Should Shreyas Iyer be part of India’s Test squad for the England tour? The question has sparked debates among cricket enthusiasts. With Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, the No. 4 spot in India’s batting lineup has become a hot topic. Some suggest Shubman Gill should take the position, allowing Sai Sudharsan to step into the No. 3 role. However, former India captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar remains cautious in his assessment.
“Shreyas is a brilliant cricketer,” Vengsarkar told Indiabeting. “He has been scoring runs consistently, but to determine if he should be part of the Test squad, one needs to observe his performance in both domestic and international cricket. I haven’t done that, so I’ll leave it to the selectors to decide.”
Shreyas made his Test debut in 2021 and quickly became a regular in the format. However, persistent back issues forced him out of the team during the home series against England last year. His central contract was also revoked after he missed a Ranji Trophy match, despite battling back spasms at the time. But the 30-year-old is no stranger to adversity. He bounced back, leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title last season and earning a recall to India’s ODI squad.
Despite his resurgence, Shreyas was notably absent from the India A squad for the matches against England Lions, signaling that the selectors may still have reservations about his Test credentials. Some believe he was misunderstood during the 2023-24 season when he skipped a Ranji Trophy game. After KKR’s IPL triumph, much of the credit was attributed to former mentor Gautam Gambhir, now India’s head coach, rather than Shreyas himself.
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar recently weighed in on the matter. “He didn’t get the credit he deserved for the IPL victory last season,” Gavaskar said. “All the praise went to someone else. The captain plays a crucial role in what happens on the field, not someone sitting in the dugout. This year, he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves.”
Shreyas has been a standout performer this IPL, amassing 435 runs in 12 innings with an average of 48.33 and a strike rate of 174.69. His leadership has also been instrumental in guiding the Punjab Kings to the playoffs. In the Ranji Trophy, he scored 480 runs in five matches, including two centuries, further solidifying his case for a Test recall.
While the selectors seem to have moved on from veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas remains a viable option. Known for his prowess against spin, he has also improved significantly against fast bowling. “Shreyas is a smart cricketer,” Vengsarkar added. “He works hard to improve his game and adapt to different conditions.”
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Shreyas Iyer’s journey is far from over. His resilience and determination make him a strong contender for a spot in India’s Test squad, especially with the England tour on the horizon.
For the latest sports news and updates, visit cricket betting site in India.
