India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's pointed response to questions about Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the upcoming Test series against England has stirred significant discussion. When recently asked about Iyer's omission, Gambhir retorted, "Mai selector nahi hoon (I am not a selector)," highlighting that the decision rested with the selection committee.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the rationale behind Iyer's exclusion, stating, "Shreyas had a good one-day series, played well in domestic as well but right now there's no room in Test cricket." Iyer's absence from the Test squad is particularly notable given his recent performances. In the ODI series against England, he amassed 181 runs at an average of 60.33, including a crucial 59-run knock in the first match.
As the Indian team undergoes a transitional phase, with Shubman Gill appointed as the new Test captain and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, the selection decisions reflect a strategic shift towards nurturing emerging talent. However, the exclusion of experienced players like Iyer has sparked debates about balancing youth and experience in the squad.
Iyer's leadership qualities will soon be on display as he captains Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This high-stakes match offers him an opportunity to reaffirm his value and potentially influence future selection considerations.
IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer Reflects On Punjab Kings' Mindset Ahead Of High-Stakes Qualifier 1 Against RCB; Video
As the Punjab Kings prepare for their biggest game of the season, Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, skipper Shreyas Iyer has struck a confident and optimistic tone. The high-stakes clash is set to take place at the iconic Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on May 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM.
Speaking ahead of the marquee match, Iyer emphasized the team's hunger for success and praised the collective effort that brought them to this point. “Excited, to be honest. It’s a great achievement for the franchise and also for all the players. Their hard work has paid off. Right from Day 1, our mindset was to go out and win. We weren’t thinking about the playoffs; we were thinking about winning the championship, and that is our mindset,” Iyer said.
This season marks a historic moment for Punjab Kings, a franchise long in pursuit of consistency and a breakthrough playoff performance. Under Iyer’s leadership, the team has shown remarkable composure, tactical flexibility, and a newfound belief that has made them one of the most balanced sides of IPL 2025.
