Shreyas Iyer, who played his last T20I in 2023 and his last Test against England in early 2024, was being ignored in both formats for a long time. But now, it seems his wait is about to end. Iyer, who has been an important part of the Indian ODI team, may soon return to the T20 and Test teams. He was also ignored during the recent England tour, but India clearly missed a middle-order batsman like him. Karun Nair got chances at number 3, 5, and 6, but despite returning to the team after 8 years, he could not make the most of his opportunities.
According to a report in the Times of India, Shreyas Iyer is likely to be recalled to India’s T20 and Test squads when the selectors meet in August to pick the team for the Asia Cup in the UAE. The Asia Cup will be played in T20 format from September 9, and the two-Test series against the West Indies will begin on October 2.
“We need someone like Iyer’s class and experience in the middle order across all formats. This was missing during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. The selectors know that Iyer plays spin well, which will be important in the domestic season, which includes four Test matches — two each against West Indies and South Africa,” sources said.
Strong Domestic Form
Iyer has been named in the West Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, which will be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence from August 28. West Zone, the defending champions, will play in the semi-finals starting September 4.
The 30-year-old has been out of the Test team since being dropped from the home series against England last year due to back problems and poor form. However, selectors believe he has done all the right things since then. Iyer was in fine form for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy last season, scoring 480 runs in five matches, including two centuries, at an average of 68.57.