India’s transition into a new Test era has been anything but smooth. With legends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from the format, the spotlight has shifted to the next generation—and the selection decisions that will shape India’s future. One of the most talked-about exclusions from the squad for the upcoming England tour is Shreyas Iyer, a move that has sparked debate and controversy. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, when pressed on the matter, refused to take responsibility, instead pointing the spotlight squarely at chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
The Shreyas Iyer Omission: What Happened?
Shreyas Iyer’s absence from India’s Test squad for the England tour has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Here’s why:
Recent Form: Iyer led Punjab Kings to the top of the table in the IPL 2025 league stage and was the team’s leading run-getter, amassing 514 runs in 14 matches.
Domestic Performance: In the Ranji Trophy, Iyer scored 480 runs in five matches, including two centuries, at an impressive average of 68.57.
Champions Trophy Heroics: He was India’s leading run-getter in the recent Champions Trophy and finished second overall in the tournament, overcoming his perceived vulnerability against the short ball.
Leadership Credentials: Iyer’s captaincy and recent performances suggested he was a strong candidate to provide experience and stability in a young squad.
Despite these credentials, Iyer was left out of both the senior and India A squads for the England tour.
Gambhir’s Sharp Retort: “I Am Not a Selector”
When questioned about Iyer’s exclusion during a recent media interaction, Gambhir was characteristically blunt. “I am not a selector,” he said, shifting the focus away from himself and onto the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. This terse reply, delivered multiple times, has been interpreted as an indirect way of blaming Agarkar and the selectors for the controversial decision.
Gambhir’s refusal to engage with the question also suggests a possible disconnect between the team management and the selection panel, or at least a desire to avoid getting drawn into the debate publicly.
Ajit Agarkar’s Official Explanation
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, in his own press conference, tried to clarify the reasoning behind Iyer’s omission:
“Shreyas had a good one-day series, played well in domestic as well, but right now there is no room in Test cricket.”
Agarkar’s comments, while diplomatic, have done little to quell the controversy. Many fans and experts believe that with Kohli’s retirement, Iyer’s experience and recent form should have earned him a spot in the squad, especially as India look to blood a new generation of Test cricketers.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Test Transition
With Rohit, Kohli, and Ashwin gone, India’s Test team is entering a period of significant change. Shubman Gill has been named captain, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. The squad also features a surprise recall for Karun Nair, who last played for India in 2017.
Some of the key changes and talking points include:
New Leadership: Gill and Pant are entrusted with leading a young team.
Experience Vacuum: The absence of senior players leaves a gap that many expected Iyer to fill.
Selection Surprises: The inclusion of Nair and the exclusion of Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan have sparked debate about the selection criteria.
Why Iyer’s Exclusion Feels Controversial
Recent Success: Iyer’s form in white-ball cricket and the Ranji Trophy suggested he was ready for a Test recall.
Leadership: As a successful IPL and domestic captain, Iyer could have provided valuable guidance to a young squad.
Experience: With the retirements of key players, India needed experienced heads—something Iyer could have offered.
Past Issues: Iyer’s previous unavailability for domestic cricket and his loss of a central contract may have influenced the selectors, despite his recent efforts to rebuild his reputation.
FAQs
1. Why was Shreyas Iyer excluded from India’s Test squad for the England tour?
Iyer was left out despite strong recent form in both domestic and white-ball cricket. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated there was “no room in Test cricket” for him at the moment.
2. How did Gautam Gambhir respond to questions about Iyer’s exclusion?
Gambhir repeatedly said, “I am not a selector,” indirectly blaming the selection committee for the decision.
3. Who is India’s new Test captain for the England tour?
Shubman Gill has been named captain, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain.
4. What are Shreyas Iyer’s recent achievements?
Iyer led Punjab Kings to the top of the IPL 2025 league stage, was their leading run-scorer, and had an excellent Ranji Trophy season.
5. Who has been recalled to the Test squad in place of Iyer?
Karun Nair, who last played for India in 2017, has been recalled to the squad.
Conclusion
Gautam Gambhir’s sharp retort—“I am not a selector”—has brought the spotlight firmly onto Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee, making it clear where the buck stops for Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion. As India embarks on a new Test era, the debate over selection criteria and the balance between youth and experience is set to continue. For now, Iyer’s fans must wait and see if his performances in the months ahead can force a rethink from the selectors.