Shreyas Iyer’s omission remains one of the biggest talking points after India’s squad for the England Tests was announced on Saturday. While Karun Nair earned a recall after 7 years, Shreyas was snubbed despite a stellar last couple of years across formats. With the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had a few spots to fill. However, the Men in Blue went the way of Sai Sudharsan and Nair, extending Shreyas’ wait for another Test cap.
Shreyas’ exclusion for the IND vs ENG Tests has divided opinion. Iyer has endeared himself with match winning performances for India in the World Cup 2023 and the Champions Trophy 2025. He led KKR and Mumbai to T20I titles, while his Punjab Kings are currently in the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Monty Panesar on Shreyas Iyer snub: He’d be vulnerable in swinging conditions
Did India miss a trick by not picking Shreyas Iyer? Former England spinner Monty Panesar doesn’t think so. Speaking exclusively to Insidesport.IN ahead of the India vs England series, Panesar believes Shreyas ‘lacks the technique’ to succeed in English conditions.
“India haven’t missed a trick with Shreyas Iyer. He is a very good player on subcontinent pitches. His technique is very much suited to flat pitches, he’s dominant and score really well. He averages 64 in Ranji Trophy. I think in the seaming, swinging conditions in England, he’s vulnerable. Think that’s one of the reasons [why he was omitted], technically he would be found out,” Panesar told Insidesport.IN
Shreyas Iyer Test career
| Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s | |
| Home | 9 | 534 | 105 | 35.6 | 63.79 | 1 | 3 |
| Away | 5 | 277 | 87 | 39.57 | 61.55 | 0 | 2 |
On first look, Shreyas Iyer averages slightly better away from home than in India. However, a bulk of those 277 runs have come in Bangladesh. The PBKS captain has played just a single Test in England, scoring 34 runs in two innings. Outside Asia, Shreyas has tallied just 75 runs in 6 innings, with a best effort of 31.
Shreyas’ ability to take down spin is what made him a vital cog in India’s ODI line up. And while he missed the call up for the India vs England series, Monty Panesar believes Shreyas has the game to play Tests on spinning tracks and fast wickets.
“On flat, spinning pitches, I think he’s a superstar. But in swinging, seaming conditions I don’t think he has the technique. He doesn’t play the ball late, he doesn’t have the soft hands. He has quick hands, doesn’t move his feet much, has brilliant hand eye co-ordination – that sort of technique is suited for bouncy or fast pitches. I think when it comes to Test matches in India, he should be considered and maybe spinning pitches like Sri Lanka. Or possibly Australia with bouncy, fast pitches, ” Panesar added.
Shreyas will now have his sights on earning a recall to the Test team. India play West Indies and South Africa at home after the IND vs ENG Tests, while there’s a tour of Sri Lanka next year. While the selectors believe his game is now much more tailored to white ball cricket, Iyer has time on his hands to make an impression.
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