Shreyas Iyer's prospects of making a return to India's Test cricket setup have suffered a significant blow following his recent performances in the Duleep Trophy.
The star batter, who was excluded from the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, has struggled to find his form in the ongoing tournament. In four innings, Iyer has managed to score only 104 runs, a performance that has not met the expectations for a player of his caliber. This lackluster showing comes at a critical time, as he seeks to re-establish himself in the Test team.
Concerns over Iyer's shot selection have been voiced by a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official, who pointed to his recent dismissal against left-arm spinner Shams Mulani as a key issue. The official criticized Iyer’s decision-making during his innings, noting that he was well set but failed to make the most of the favorable conditions. "Currently, there isn't a place for Shreyas in the Test team. Who would he replace? His shot selection in the Duleep Trophy, particularly in his latest innings, has been troubling. He was in a good position and then played a careless shot. When you're well set on a flat pitch, you need to maximize that opportunity," the official remarked.
This assessment highlights the challenges Iyer faces in his bid to return to Test cricket. With the Indian team’s selectors focusing on players who can capitalize on their chances and make significant contributions, Iyer’s recent performances have raised questions about his readiness for the highest level of the game. As the Duleep Trophy progresses, Iyer will need to make a marked improvement in his form and decision-making if he hopes to secure a spot in the future Test squads.
