Published: June 29, 2025 | By: [Your Name]
India’s recent Test squad announcement for the England series has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world — not just because of who made it in, but more so because of who didn’t. The biggest headline? The exclusion of seasoned batter Shreyas Iyer, despite his strong domestic and IPL performances.
As India begins a new era in Test cricket under a young captain, fans and experts alike are questioning whether the selectors got it right.
🔁 A New Era: Shubman Gill Takes Over
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel, on May 24, made a bold move by appointing Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. The decision signals a clear generational shift in Indian cricket, as the team looks to groom younger leaders for the future.
Joining the squad for the first time are:
Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, both receiving maiden Test call-ups.
Karun Nair, returning to the national setup after a surprising eight-year absence.
But amid these fresh faces and leadership changes, it was Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion that sparked the most debate.
📊 Iyer’s Numbers Say He Deserved a Spot
The stats speak volumes:
Led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 Final with calm leadership and consistent batting.
Scored 480 runs in the latest Ranji Trophy season at a stellar average of 68.57.
With such performances in both the white-ball and red-ball formats, Iyer’s omission raised eyebrows across the cricketing community. Many believe he was unfairly sidelined at a time when he clearly deserved a longer rope in the Test format.
🏏 India’s Current Test Line-Up (2025)
Under Shubman Gill’s leadership, India’s Test batting order has undergone a reshuffle. Here’s how it currently looks:
Shubman Gill batting at No. 4 — a spot once owned by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Rishabh Pant serves as vice-captain and bats at No. 5.
Karun Nair has returned and slots in at No. 6.
All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur occupy the lower middle order.
Clearly, the middle-order is packed, leaving little room for Iyer — at least for now.
🗣️ “His Time Will Come”: A Message of Hope
In response to growing criticism, a former Indian player came forward with a message of faith and optimism:
“His time will come.”
This statement reflects the belief that Shreyas Iyer still has a bright future in Test cricket. While he may not be part of the current squad, the door is far from closed.
🎯 Still a Pillar in India’s White-Ball Cricket
Let’s not forget, Iyer continues to be a key player in India’s ODI and T20 squads. He was instrumental in:
India’s journey to the 2023 ODI World Cup Final
Their recent victory in the Champions Trophy 2025
His ability to handle pressure, play match-winning knocks, and guide the innings in crunch moments makes him an asset in the shorter formats — and potentially still valuable in Tests.
🔄 India’s Test Cricket in Transition
Indian Test cricket is going through a transition phase. With Rohit Sharma and other seniors gradually stepping away, the baton is being passed to a younger generation — Gill, Pant, and others.
In such transitional times, tough selection calls are often made. But history shows us that players like Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman too were dropped early in their careers — only to come back stronger and make history.
Shreyas Iyer could well follow that path.
👀 Watching from the Sidelines, Waiting for His Turn
For now, Iyer watches from the sidelines. But patience and persistence are his biggest allies. Cricket has a way of rewarding those who wait — and when opportunity knocks again, a player of Iyer’s class is sure to seize it.
Until then, it’s a test of mindset, discipline, and resilience.
📌 Conclusion: A Temporary Setback, Not the End
While Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the Test squad is disappointing, it is not the end of the road. With his impressive form, leadership experience, and hunger to perform, his return seems inevitable. Indian cricket has seen many such comebacks — and Iyer’s might just be around the corner.
The message is clear — “His time will come.” And when it does, it could be the start of a golden chapter in his red-ball career.