Photo Credit: PTI
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has voiced strong support for Shreyas Iyer, saying he “should have been” included in India’s Test squad for the upcoming England tour. As India gears up for a grueling five-match Test series, Ganguly’s comments have reignited the debate around selection choices and the value of IPL form in red-ball considerations.
Speaking to RevSportz, Ganguly praised Iyer’s performance in the 2025 IPL season, where he captained Punjab Kings to the final and racked up runs consistently. “He’s playing well under pressure, handling the short ball confidently, and leading his side with maturity. I’m surprised he’s not in the Test squad,” Ganguly remarked, pointing out that Iyer’s recent form should have merited selection.
The omission comes at a time when the Indian Test team is transitioning. With Shubman Gill leading the squad in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, there is an emphasis on youth and adaptability. Yet, Ganguly believes players like Iyer—who combine experience with current form—offer the perfect balance.
Iyer’s domestic red-ball record also strengthens his case. After recovering from injury setbacks, the stylish right-hander has scored consistently in the Ranji Trophy, showing improved footwork and temperament—especially against pace and bounce, areas once seen as his weakness.
Ganguly also stressed that India’s success in England will depend heavily on the batting unit and the fitness of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. He recalled how the 2020–21 Australia series victory came with a relatively young and bold squad, saying “Test cricket rewards form and confidence, not just reputation.”
Despite being left out, Iyer has not made any public comment on the snub, choosing to stay focused on his game. However, fans and cricket experts across social media have echoed Ganguly’s sentiment, questioning why an in-form batter and proven leader like Iyer was overlooked.
As the countdown to the first Test at Headingley begins, the spotlight now shifts to how India’s middle order shapes up in challenging English conditions. Whether the selectors revisit their choices remains to be seen, but Ganguly’s support for Iyer has certainly stirred the pot.
