Shreyas Iyer Not in Test Plans Yet, Says Ex-India Cricketer
Shreyas Iyer has long been regarded as one of India’s most promising middle-order batsmen. With a blend of flair, temperament, and aggression, he has carved a name for himself in white-ball cricket. However, despite showcasing his talent across various formats, his role in India’s Test setup remains uncertain. Recently, a former India cricketer weighed in on the situation, stating, “Shreyas Iyer is not in Test plans yet, but his time will come.”
This statement has reignited discussions in the cricketing fraternity about Iyer’s place in the longer format of the game. Is he being overlooked? Or is the timing simply not right yet?
A Bright Start in Tests
at November 2021, Shreyas Iyer made his Test cricket debut at Kanpur against New Zealand, which was an incredible experience. Filling in during a transitional phase for India’s middle order, Iyer scored a brilliant century (105) in the first innings and followed it up with a gritty 65 in the second. His composure under pressure and ability to handle spin-friendly Indian conditions earned him praise from fans and experts alike. It seemed, at the time, that India had found a dependable No. 5 batsman for the red-ball format.
However, that momentum did not quite carry through.
Form and Injuries: A Roadblock
Since his debut, Iyer’s Test appearances have been sporadic. Though he featured in a few Test matches, his form began to taper off, and injuries played a significant part in his inconsistency. A recurring back issue, which eventually required surgery, kept him out of action for a significant period in 2023.
When he returned, competition for middle-order spots had only intensified. Players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (who reinvented himself as a middle-order batter), and emerging talents such as Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar added more pressure on Iyer’s already fragile position.
The Ex-India Cricketers Perspective
Speaking on a sports channel recently, a former India cricketer, who requested not to be named, commented on Iyer’s Test exclusion:
“Shreyas is a fantastic player, especially in white-ball cricket. He’s still developing in red-ball cricket. He may not be in the Test plans at the moment, but his time will come. He just needs to keep working on his technique, especially against the moving ball and short-pitched deliveries.”
This analysis underlines a known weakness in Iyer’s Test batting: his vulnerability to the short ball, particularly in overseas conditions. While he has tackled spin well on subcontinental pitches, his record outside Asia has not inspired enough confidence in selectors to offer him a long rope.
The White-Ball Superstar
There’s no doubt about Shreyas Iyer’s prowess in white-ball formats. In both ODIs and T20Is, he has been a reliable performer for India. His role at No. 4 in the Indian ODI team, especially during the 2023 World Cup, was pivotal until his injury.He is a useful asset in the shorter forms because of his capacity to rotate strike, anchor the innings, and accelerate when necessary.
Furthermore, Iyer has shown maturity above his years as captain of IPL teams like the Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. These leadership stints have helped him grow mentally and tactically—qualities that can be extremely valuable in the pressure cooker environment of Test cricket.
What’s Holding Him Back in Tests?
Several factors have influenced the selectors’ reluctance to bring Iyer back into the Test fold:
- Injury Layoffs: Frequent injuries have made it hard for him to sustain rhythm and form, especially in red-ball cricket where continuity is crucial.
- Technical Flaws: While he plays spin well, fast bowlers with pace and bounce have exposed flaws in his technique. Test cricket, particularly outside the subcontinent, demands greater adaptability and patience—areas where Iyer still has scope to improve.
- Intense Competition: The Indian Test middle order is stacked with seasoned and emerging players. Veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane may be in the twilight of their careers, but talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Sarfaraz Khan are waiting in the wings.
- Red-ball Experience: Iyer has not played as much domestic red-ball cricket as required to press his case firmly. While he has a decent average in First-Class cricket, consistency across seasons is lacking.
The Way Forward
The former cricketer’s assurance—“his time will come”—is not mere consolation. Shreyas Iyer is still just 30, and with proper management of fitness and game time, he has enough years ahead to make a solid return to the Test team.
To do that, he might consider:
- Playing more Ranji Trophy games: Proving himself in domestic red-ball cricket can help rebuild confidence and form.
- Working with batting coaches: Focused work on improving his technique against fast bowling can help him become more Test-ready.
- Staying mentally resilient: The gap between opportunities can be disheartening, but maintaining motivation will be key.
Conclusion
Cricket careers are often defined not just by talent, but by timing, adaptability, and persistence. Shreyas Iyer has demonstrated his aptitude and disposition. While he may not be in the immediate Test plans, the door is far from closed.His time will come, as the former cricket player correctly noted.
Until then, Iyer must keep doing what he does best—scoring runs, staying fit, and waiting for that one opportunity to reintroduce himself to the world of Test cricket, this time as a more complete and consistent player.
