Virender Sehwag questions Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India squad for ENG vs IND Tests 2025

Former Indian Test opener Virender Sehwag questioned Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s squad for the upcoming Test series against England. Iyer scored 480 runs in five Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches at an impressive average of 68.57, but chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the Mumbai batter needs to perform more at the domestic level.

Furthermore, Iyer has been in fine form in the ongoing IPL 2025 while leading Punjab Kings. Iyer has scored 488 runs in 13 matches at an average of 48.80 and a strike rate of 172.43 in the ongoing season.

Virender Sehwag said there were better chances of Shreyas Iyer finding more success on the England tour as he is in good form.

Sehwag said on Cricbuzz, “When you’re in good form, it’s good to take him to the tour because there are higher chances of him performing. I would want to see him in Test team. If he keeps the same approach in Test cricket, it benefits the team. If you have 2-3 players like that, it sets fear in the opposition. England plays at 6-7 runs/over. If Indian team even manages to play at 4-5 runs/over, they can put them under pressure.”

The former Indian opener reckons Iyer’s captaincy also goes under the radar and he isn’t appreciated much as he should be for his leadership.

“He doesn’t get much credit for his captaincy. Manoj (Tiwary) said that Rishabh Pant didn’t get captaincy because his IPL season hasn’t been great. But Iyer has had a great season, he is also the captain. Why can’t he play in Test cricket? He can definitely play all three formats,” said Sehwag.

Speaking on Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion, Agarkar said on Saturday in the press conference, “Yes, Shreyas Iyer has played well in domestic cricket, but at the moment, there is no room for him in the Test Team.”

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.