The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a revamped Test squad for the upcoming England series, marking a significant transition with the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Notably, both Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan have been left out of the squad, despite their recent strong performances in domestic cricket
- Selectors Not Convinced About Red-Ball Skills: Despite a strong domestic season (480 runs in five Ranji Trophy matches at an average of 68.57), selectors believe Shreyas Iyer’s current batting style—marked by bold strokeplay and a carefree attitude—is better suited to white-ball cricket. They are not convinced about his ability to succeed in Test (red-ball) cricket at this stage.
- Recent Test Performance and Exclusion: Iyer last played a Test in February 2024 against England and was dropped midway through that series. Since then, he has not been part of the Test setup and was also excluded from the BCCI’s annual contract list, partly due to not playing enough domestic red-ball cricket earlier in 2024.
- Competition for Middle Order Spots: With the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, several middle-order spots have opened up. However, the selectors have preferred other contenders like Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom have had strong domestic seasons and are seen as better fits for the Test squad.
- Selector’s Official Statement: Chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that Iyer “still needs to find room in the Test squad” and “needs to perform more in domestic cricket” to be considered for selection, despite his recent efforts to play more red-ball matches.
Reasons for Sarfaraz Khan’s Non-Selection
- Omitted Despite Strong Domestic Form: Sarfaraz Khan, known for his prolific domestic record, was also not selected for the England Test series. The exact reason is not specified in the available sources, but it is clear that despite his consistent performances, he did not make the cut.
- Intense Competition: The middle-order competition is fierce, with several players like Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan being preferred for their recent performances and perceived suitability for English conditions.
Also Read: India’s Test Squad for England Series: Announcement Status
Summary Table: Selection Status
| Player | Domestic Form (2024*25) | Selector’s View | Included in Squad?
|
Main Reason for Omission |
| Shreyas Iyer | 480 runs, Avg 68.57 | Suited to white-ball, not convinced by red-ball skills | No | Game seen as better for white-ball cricket; needs more red-ball consistency |
| Sarfaraz Khan | Strong, consistent | Not specified, but overlooked | No | Intense competition, selectors’ preference for others |
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer was not selected for the Indian Test team against England because selectors believe his current batting style is better suited to white-ball cricket and are not convinced about his red-ball credentials, despite recent domestic success. Sarfaraz Khan also missed out due to stiff competition and selectors opting for other middle-order options.
