Shreyas Iyer's Omission from India’s England Test Tour Sparks Debate Despite Stellar Form
India’s squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, was recently announced by the BCCI, and the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer has stirred considerable debate. The 18-member squad, selected by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, includes some fresh faces and comeback names, but Iyer’s absence has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world.
Iyer, who has been in exceptional form throughout 2025, played a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year, finishing as the top run-scorer. Following that, he captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final of IPL 2025, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 175. He also played one of the tournament’s most memorable innings, smashing 87 off 41 balls in a high-pressure Qualifier 2 match against Mumbai Indians, helping PBKS achieve a record chase.
Despite his consistent performances in ODIs, T20s, and domestic cricket, Iyer did not find a place in the Test squad. When initially questioned, India’s newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir remarked, “I’m not the selector.” However, in a later media interaction, Gambhir clarified, “Anyone can be called if they are in good form. We could only pick 18, but the door is always open for players who can deliver.”
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that while Iyer has done well, “at the moment, there is no room for him in the Test team.” Instead, Karun Nair, who returns to the Test fold after seven years due to strong domestic performances and county cricket exposure, was preferred. Additionally, Arshdeep Singh earned his maiden Test call-up, while Mohammed Shami was ruled out due to fitness concerns.
The series will also mark the debut of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, replacing the Pataudi and Anthony de Mello Trophies. This move honors the legendary careers of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, symbolizing the rich rivalry between India and England.
Despite the omission, Gambhir’s comments suggest Iyer is still in the reckoning. With his consistent form and impact performances, the door to a Test comeback remains ajar. The decision has certainly intensified discussions around selection transparency and merit-based inclusion in Indian cricket.
