Team India’s middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer is unlikely to return to the Test squad following his disappointing performance in the Duleep Trophy.

According to the latest reports, Shreyas Iyer will not be included in the national cricket squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

The Rohit Sharma-led side will begin their busy Test schedule with a two-match series against Bangladesh. Following this, India will host New Zealand for a three-match Test series. The Men in Blue will then travel to Australia for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series.

Iyer had a chance to impress in the Duleep Trophy and be included in the Test squad. However, he scored just 104 runs in four innings. He was not included in the squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh, which will begin in Chennai on September 19.

There is no place for Shreyas Iyer in the Test squad – BCCI Official

A BCCI official has expressed doubts over Shreyas Iyer’s return to the Test squad, stating that there is no place for him in the team.

The official criticised Iyer for playing a poor shot off left-hander Shams Mulani, raising concerns about his decision-making on a flat pitch.

“There is no place for Shreyas in the Test squad at the moment. Who will he replace? Also, his shot selection has been a concern under Duleep, especially yesterday (Sunday).”

“He was well prepared and suddenly he played a shot (off left-handed bowler Shams Mulani). When you are prepared and batting on a flat surface, you have to make the most of that opportunity,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by the Telegraph.

The right-handed batsman last played a Test match against England earlier this year. Iyer was dropped from the squad after the two Test matches against England. He has scored 811 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 36.86. Shreyas has scored one century and five half-centuries in his Test career.

Shreyas Iyer unlikely to be picked for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Another BCCI official confirmed that Shreyas Iyer is unlikely to be included in India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to his weakness against short balls. However, the report added that there are hopes of his return if he performs well in domestic cricket.

The official added that Iyer will participate in the Iran Cup even if he is picked for the T20I series against Bangladesh. The report noted that Iyer will be considered for selection if he regains form.

“Shreyas could be there (in the Mumbai squad) for the Iran Cup (starting on October 1 in Lucknow). Even if he is picked for the Bangladesh T20I (starting October 6), he could still play in Iran and then be available from the second T20I onwards.

“Now, if he doesn’t shine in Iran, he still has the Ranji Trophy to get runs. Not many days ago, he was batting so well in last year’s ODI World Cup. He also suffered an injury, which needs to be taken into account,” another Board official said.

“Also, with one round left in Duleep, you never know if he can get to a hundred. He needs to get back into form. He will most likely not go to Australia because of his problems against the short ball, but his runs at home cannot be ignored.”

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