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As India endured a dramatic defeat at Lord’s in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, losing all their wickets for 170 while chasing a modest 193, voices among the cricket community grew louder in support of Shreyas Iyer’s recall to the Test squad. With India’s celebrated middle order in flux following the retirements of stalwarts, many fans and former players are urging selectors to reconsider the omission of Iyer, whose recent domestic form has only bolstered his case.
Shreyas Iyer’s hot form in domestic circuit
In the wake of his exclusion from the Test squad, Iyer has let his bat do the talking in India’s domestic red-ball circuit. After losing his place in the national side earlier in 2024 and briefly being stripped of his BCCI central contract, Iyer mounted a compelling comeback. He delivered consistent performances across formats, but it was his Ranji Trophy record that stood out—the 30-year-old averaged an impressive 68.57 in five matches during the 2024-25 season, leading from the front both as a batter and a captain.
This resurgence was not lost upon cricket legends. Former India opener Virender Sehwag publicly questioned the rationale behind Iyer’s omission, emphasizing that a player in such fine touch is more likely to succeed at the highest level, especially under the pressure-cooker conditions of a Test series in England. For many, Iyer’s ability to soak up pressure, rotate strike, and counter-attack marked him as an ideal candidate for the new-look Indian middle order.
Notably, Iyer’s performances were instrumental not only in white-ball tournaments—where he contributed to India’s Champions Trophy campaign—but also in restoring his reputation and BCCI contract. Despite injuries and a patch of poor form in 2023 that saw his Test average dip, the Mumbai batter’s domestic displays have reignited debate about his rightful place in the squad.
India’s Lord’s collapse spurs selection outcry
India’s narrow defeat at Lord’s left fans and pundits dissecting the batting order’s fragility. Chasing 193—a target that historically should have been within reach—the team crumbled against relentless English bowling, losing their last wickets on the final day for just 170 runs. A promising position after Day 4 quickly unravelled, with early wickets tumbling and resistance fading across the lower middle order.
Such a collapse underlined the need for experience and composure in high-pressure situations. For supporters, Iyer’s absence was glaring, especially considering the inconsistency of some middle-order replacements and the recent retirement of key figures. On social media, fans pointed out that Iyer had scored more runs in limited opportunities than others retained in the squad, questioning the selectors’ logic.
India’s defeat at Lord’s is more than just a missed Test win—it has become a rallying point for those who believe Iyer’s grit and form warrant a Test recall. As the series moves forward and the hunt for new leaders intensifies, the clamour for Iyer’s reinstatement looks set to grow louder, fueled by his exploits in domestic cricket and the national side’s immediate needs.
Here’ how fans reacted:
Bring back shreyas iyer
— Sai Kiran (@SaiKiran96760)
I just cannot fathom how India has not taken Shreyas Iyer to England.
He is a clutch player who is in the form of his life. He is exactly the Travis Head kind of player who will make the game move forward quickly. This is what was required yesterday.
— Kanav Jain (@FCBKanav)
Shreyas Iyer can play 10x better than Karun Nair but Gautam Gambhir will never select him because of his ego.
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket)
The lessons this match taught us:
– Rohit Sharma intent was hated for absolutely no reason.
– Jadeja is a fighter.
– Bring Shreyas Iyer In Place Of Nair.
– Bumrah Is Batter Batsman Than Gill on Tough Pitches.
– Sack Gautam Gambhir.— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane)
It's very shameful BCCI didn't selected a clutch player like Shreyas Iyer .
Gambhir politics will ruin ICT one day.💔— SUBHO🔻 (@RIDERhuYarr)
8/8
My frustration- Why ain't Shreyas Iyer in the team after performing so well everywhere. He could've played everywhere. He could be our no 4 in all formats but favourism and politics is holding indian cricket down. Gill should bat 3.— Ritik Pratap Singh Patel (@patelritiq)
Shreyas Iyer our collapse saver 😔
Please BCCI bring back Shreyas Iyer.— 𝑨𝒏𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒏 🚩 (@AnuranDey_96)
India missed the presence of Shreyas Iyer today
He would have won us this match.
— 96 (@hballer_)
You can find more technically Good batters than Shreyas Iyer but You can't find a clutch mentality Player like him.
Cricket is a game which won by the players who thrives under pressure. And We all know what kind of beast Shreyas becomes undee pressure!!
— Sir AB Steve Edward Stuart Kohli (@CricCrazyAnkit)
After this disastrous series, remove Gambhir and his staff first. Bring back Shreyas Iyer. Remove the players selected based on IPL. Bring a good old test coach who can grind the team. At least this new team has less ego as compared to the ones who left.
— Biswajit 📚 🖊️ 👓 🇮🇳 (@biswa_1211)
By dropping Shreyas, India has axed its own foot.
Bring back Shreyas Iyer🙏🏻— K.D (@KartikD1796)
Why has Shreyas Iyer been left out of the Test squad?
What’s going on, BCCI? This is just unfair.— Rahul Kumar Yadav (@_therahulyadav)
