India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has seemingly shifted his stance on the exclusion of in-form batter Shreyas Iyer from the Test squad for the upcoming series against England. Days after a curt “I’m not a selector” remark when questioned about Iyer’s omission, Gambhir has now indicated that doors are open for performers, stating, “Anyone can be called if they are in good form.”
The Initial Stance: “I’m Not The Selector”
Following the announcement of India’s 18-member Test squad for the five-match series against England, starting June 20, the notable absence of Shreyas Iyer raised eyebrows among fans and experts. Iyer has been in scintillating form across formats, enjoying a strong Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai and leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final with over 600 runs.
When initially pressed on Iyer’s exclusion, Gambhir had maintained a distance from the selection process, tersely replying, “I’m not the selector,” in response to media queries. This response had garnered considerable attention and some criticism.
The U-Turn: “Anyone Can Be Called”
However, in a recent press conference in Mumbai, ahead of the team’s departure for England, Gambhir adopted a more measured tone. While acknowledging the limited squad size, he emphasized the importance of domestic performances and stated that good form could pave the way for a call-up.
“Anyone can be called if they are in good form. We can only pick 18. But I believe it’s always about being open to people who are in good form and can deliver,” Gambhir told reporters. This statement signals a subtle but significant shift from his previous stance, offering a ray of hope for players performing consistently in domestic cricket.
Selection Committee’s View: “No Room for Him in Test Team”
Despite Gambhir’s latest remarks, it’s important to note the official stance from the selection committee. Chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, had earlier explained Iyer’s omission by stating, “Yes, Shreyas Iyer has played well in domestic cricket, but at the moment, there is no room for him in the Test Team.” This suggests that while Iyer’s form is recognized, the current squad composition and team requirements might be prioritizing other options. The current squad for the England series includes Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran.
Iyer’s Recent Form and Test Record
Shreyas Iyer has been a consistent performer in recent times. He was India’s top run-scorer in the Champions Trophy 2025 and led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, scoring 604 runs at an impressive strike rate. In the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, he scored 480 runs at an average of 68.57 in seven innings.
In Test cricket, Iyer has played 14 matches, scoring 811 runs at an average of 36.86, including one century and five half-centuries. His last Test appearance was in February 2024 against England in Visakhapatnam.
Gambhir’s evolving comments reflect the ongoing debate surrounding player selections, especially with the transition period in Indian Test cricket following the retirements of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. While the team management aims for a strong combination, the emphasis on domestic performance provides an avenue for hopeful players like Shreyas Iyer.
