Sourav Ganguly unhappy with Shreyas Iyer's absence from Tests: He can play short ball
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is unhappy with Shreyas Iyer's absence from the Indian Test team despite his remarkable performances in recent times.
In Short
- Shreyas Iyer was dropped from Test team in 2024
- He was seen in good form in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25
- Iyer has been enjoying massive success across all formats
Former India cricketer turned commentator Sourav Ganguly is not happy to see Shreyas Iyer’s absence from the Indian Test team for the upcoming series against England. Iyer has been in fine form over the past one year having guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to IPL triumph in 2024 and further led Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final in the recent edition.
Recently, Ganguly questioned Iyer’s absence from the Test team, mentioning his terrific performances over the past one year. The legendary India captain also stated that Iyer has also worked on his short ball weakness and praised him for scoring runs under pressure.
“He has been playing at his best in the last one year, and should have been in this team. Last one year has been fantastic for him. He is the player who got left out. He is now scoring under pressure, taking responsibility, playing the short ball well. Although Test cricket’s different, I would have had him in this series to see what he can do," Ganguly told RevSportz.
Iyer last played Tests back in 2024 as he was dropped from the team midway through the series against England. In the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, he accumulated 480 runs from seven innings for Mumbai at an average of 68.57 with two hundreds to his name.
Meanwhile, Ganguly also backed India to do well in England and win the series, saying that Jasprit Bumrah’s form will play a key role in the team’s success.
“Yes, sure. We just need two things, batting well and [Jasprit] Bumrah remaining fit. We won in Australia, in Melbourne (2020-21), with a young batting line-up, having no [Virat] Kohli, no Rohit Sharma. So, I do not see why we cannot win,” he added.
India are set to take on England in a five-match Test series beginning from June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. It will be the first assignment for the new captain Shubman Gill and vice captain Rishabh Pant. India haven’t won a series in England since 2007 and will be up against Ben Stokes’ men, who recently climbed to second spot in the ICC Test rankings.