As Team India gears up for the crucial Test series against England, a major selection controversy has already taken center stage. The omission of Shreyas Iyer, one of India's most consistent performers across formats in the past year, has drawn sharp criticism from none other than Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and ex-BCCI president.
Ganguly’s comments have sparked a national debate about selection transparency, form vs. technical flaws, and whether India can afford to bench a player peaking in confidence and performance. While not a direct attack, Ganguly’s words were a clear signal of disapproval toward the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
"Not a Player to Be Left Out"
Speaking to reporters, Ganguly said, “Shreyas Iyer is not a player to be left out. He should have been in England with the Test squad.” His remark isn’t just a nostalgic nod to a player he’s admired, but a strategic critique of India's squad composition ahead of a tough overseas tour.
Ganguly, who worked closely with Iyer as Director of Cricket at Delhi Capitals, knows the cricketer’s mindset and growth journey. His advocacy comes from a deep understanding of Iyer’s potential and proven track record — both domestically and internationally.
Shreyas Iyer’s Recent Form: A Case for Inclusion
Over the past 18 months, Shreyas Iyer has been among India’s top performers. He delivered big at the 2023 World Cup and followed it up with another strong showing in the 2025 Champions Trophy. More recently, he has had a stellar domestic season and was instrumental in KKR’s IPL title win in 2024, before leading Punjab Kings to their first final in over a decade in 2025.
In IPL 2025, Iyer amassed 604 runs in 17 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 175, the highest among the top 10 Orange Cap contenders. His ability to dominate spin, anchor chases, and accelerate when needed makes him a rare complete batter in today’s game. He is now leading the Mumbai Falcons, who have already reached the final of the Mumbai League 2025.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not part of the squad, Iyer's experience and calm demeanor would have provided much-needed depth to a relatively young Indian middle order.
The BCCI’s Argument: Technical Flaws?
One of the known critiques of Iyer’s Test game has been his vulnerability to short-pitched bowling. His struggles in previous tours, particularly in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, have been used to justify his exclusion. However, many believe this narrative is outdated.
Iyer has worked extensively on this weakness, showing improved technique and temperament, even against fast bowlers in domestic games and the IPL. Besides, many top players have had technical gaps. The key lies in current form, match temperament, and adaptability — boxes Iyer has ticked consistently.
Ganguly and Agarkar: From Teammates to Selector vs. Advocate
Interestingly, Ganguly and Agarkar share a long-standing rapport. During Ganguly’s captaincy, Agarkar was a trusted bowler, playing a starring role in India’s famous Adelaide win in 2003. Even in the IPL, Ganguly insisted on Agarkar's presence in the KKR squad despite the latter being past his international prime.
Now, with Agarkar at the helm of selection, Ganguly’s candid remarks are not just about Iyer, but possibly a reflection of deeper questions regarding selection consistency and player communication.
India’s Young Middle Order: Opportunity or Gamble?
With Shubman Gill leading the side and Rishabh Pant as his deputy, India will rely on a relatively untested middle order. Names like Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, and Rajat Patidar are in the mix. The squad may also include seam-bowling all-rounders like Shardul Thakur or Nitish Kumar Reddy.
While this setup promises freshness and long-term grooming, it also raises concerns over lack of experience in English conditions. A batter like Iyer could have provided stability and a safety net, especially in tough batting conditions.
Ganguly’s Confidence, Conditional on Bumrah’s Fitness
Despite his concerns, Ganguly expressed optimism about India’s chances. “We won in Australia without Kohli or Rohit. We can win in England too. We just need to bat well and keep Bumrah fit,” he remarked.
Indeed, Jasprit Bumrah’s availability could be the x-factor in the series. But batting depth remains a concern — and that’s where Iyer’s exclusion might hurt the most.
Final Thoughts
Ganguly’s criticism isn't just a passing comment — it's a reminder that form, leadership, and mental strength matter as much as technical polish. In Shreyas Iyer, India has a player who’s not just in form but has shown leadership, adaptability, and hunger — the very traits one wants on a tough overseas tour.
The question remains: Has India dropped a match-winner when they needed one the most?
Only time — and the Test series — will tell.
