Shreyas Iyer Set to Miss England Tests Despite Strong Domestic Form, Continues to Shine as PBKS Captain
Mumbai batter and Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer is reportedly set to be left out of India’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of England. According to a report from The Times of India, the national selectors are no longer convinced about Iyer’s suitability for the red-ball format, despite a strong domestic season and growing fan support for his return.
Iyer, who last featured in India’s Test XI during the home series against England in February 2024, saw his form dip following a back injury. He was dropped midway through the series and hasn’t featured in red-ball internationals since, despite excelling in white-ball formats. His omission from the India ‘A’ squad for the England Lions series had already raised eyebrows, and now the latest reports all but confirm his absence from the senior Test side.
“Iyer’s new stance, bold strokeplay, and carefree attitude to batting are all suited to the white-ball game now. The selectors aren’t convinced about his red-ball skills,” TOI quoted an unnamed source.
Interestingly, Iyer’s Ranji Trophy 2024–25 performance was impressive. Representing Mumbai, he scored 480 runs at an average of 68.57, including two centuries. However, the selectors appear to be placing more emphasis on his Test struggles and style of play rather than recent domestic form.
IPL 2025: A Shining Campaign with Punjab Kings
While his Test future seems uncertain, Iyer’s impact in the IPL 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. After winning the IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, he took on a fresh challenge with Punjab Kings, a side with a history of underachievement. Under his leadership, PBKS have qualified for the IPL playoffs for the first time since 2014.
PBKS bowling coach James Hopes heaped praise on Iyer’s tactical acumen and leadership skills in an interview with The Times of India.
“As a captain, it’s like everything he’s touched has turned into gold. There were times when I thought we should try something else with the ball, but he stuck to his plan and got results,” Hopes said.
“He’s tactically very good. He’s a world-class short-format batter and has grown massively. Back when he was captain at Delhi Capitals, he was still young, still learning. Now, with the IPL title under his belt and a successful run with Punjab Kings, he commands respect from both Indian and overseas players. We’re blessed to have him.”
What Lies Ahead?
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli expected to miss the England Tests, some fans hoped Iyer’s experience and recent form might bring him back into the reckoning. However, the selectors seem keen on a long-term red-ball strategy that may not include the 29-year-old batter.
Despite this potential Test snub, Shreyas Iyer remains a key figure in India’s white-ball setup and is widely expected to be part of the T20 World Cup 2026 plans. For now, his IPL leadership continues to speak volumes about his temperament and cricketing mind.
