Shreyas Iyer’s journey back to the Indian team has been nothing short of a redemption arc. After being sidelined from T20Is and Tests for over a year, the stylish right-hander is now on the brink of a comeback across formats.
Once labelled as out of favor, Iyer has forced the selectors to take notice, all thanks to his consistent performances and leadership for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
He last donned the India jersey during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, finishing as the team's top scorer with 243 runs in five matches. His exploits didn’t end there. Iyer took over as captain of Punjab Kings and guided them to the IPL 2025 final in June, showcasing not only his form but also his leadership under pressure.
Selectors Back Iyer’s Middle-Order Strength
According to sources quoted by The Times of India, the selectors are keen to reinstate Iyer into India's setup for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, beginning September 9, and the home Test series against West Indies and South Africa. They believe his prowess against spin will be crucial during the home Tests, and his stability in the middle order could anchor India’s innings across formats.
His last T20I came in December 2023 against Australia, while his last appearance in Tests was against England in February 2024. Despite the dry spell, Iyer’s recent performances have reignited faith in his abilities.
What's Next?
The selectors are set to meet later this month to finalize India’s squad for the Asia Cup, which runs until September 28. India will then face West Indies in a two-Test series in October, followed by Tests against South Africa in November.
Life may have thrown setbacks at Shreyas Iyer, but his response on the field and with the bat has spoken volumes. With the selectors preparing to bring him back into the fold, Iyer’s redemption story is poised to enter its most exciting chapter yet.