India’s middle-order batting stalwart Shreyas Iyer is primed for a spectacular return to Test cricket after an eight-month hiatus, with selectors acknowledging his indispensable “class and experience” as crucial assets for the upcoming challenging home season against West Indies and South Africa. The 30-year-old Mumbai batsman’s comeback story represents one of Indian cricket’s most compelling redemption narratives of 2025.
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The Comeback Trail
Shreyas Iyer’s journey back to the Indian Test squad has been nothing short of remarkable. After his last Test appearance in February 2024 during the England series at home, the elegant right-hander found himself out of favor with the national selectors and was subsequently axed from the BCCI’s central contracts for 2024-25. However, his consistent performances in domestic cricket and leadership qualities displayed in the IPL have caught the attention of the decision-makers once again.
According to sources close to the selection committee, quoted by Times of India, “We need Iyer’s class and experience in the middle order in all formats. It’s something which we missed in England during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The selectors are aware that Iyer is an excellent player of spin bowling, which will be crucial in a home season that involves four Tests — two each against West Indies and South Africa.”
Spin Mastery: The Defining Factor
The primary reason behind Iyer’s imminent recall appears to be his exceptional proficiency against spin bowling, a skill that will prove invaluable during India’s home season. The selectors have specifically identified his ability to handle spin as a crucial factor, considering India will face four Tests at home — two against the West Indies and two against South Africa.
This expertise becomes even more significant when viewed against the backdrop of India’s recent struggles in the middle order during overseas tours. The technical soundness and temperament that Iyer brings to the table, combined with his experience of playing in Indian conditions, makes him an attractive proposition for the team management.
Statistical Resurgence in Domestic Cricket
Iyer’s case for a Test comeback has been significantly strengthened by his outstanding performances in domestic cricket following his exclusion from the national setup. In the previous Ranji Trophy season, he scored 480 runs from just 5 matches at an impressive average of 68.57, including two centuries.
These numbers demonstrate not just his hunger to return to the international arena but also his ability to score big runs consistently in first-class cricket. The centuries, in particular, showcase his mental fortitude and determination to convert good starts into substantial contributions.
IPL Leadership and Form
The batsman’s credentials have been further enhanced by his exceptional leadership and batting performances in recent IPL seasons. Over the last two IPL editions, Iyer has been in prolific form, scoring 955 runs in 31 innings at an average of 45.48 and a strike rate of 163.5.
His captaincy journey has been equally impressive, leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their first title in a decade in 2024 and guiding Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final in 2025, where they were defeated by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This leadership experience adds another dimension to his profile as a potential Test returnee.
Test Career Statistics and Analysis
Across 14 Tests, Iyer has accumulated 811 runs in 24 innings at an average of 36.86, with one century and five half-centuries to his name. While these numbers might not appear spectacular at first glance, they tell a story of a batsman who has shown the ability to perform at the highest level.
His Test debut remains memorable, marked by a century that announced his arrival on the international stage. The challenge now lies in building upon that foundation and establishing himself as a consistent performer in the longest format of the game.
Series Schedule and Context
The West Indies tour of India will commence with the first Test in Ahmedabad starting on October 2, 2025, followed by the second Test in Delhi from October 10-14, 2025. This will be followed by the South Africa series in November, which will include Test matches in New Delhi (November 14) and a historic first-ever Test in Guwahati (November 22).
The timing of these series makes them perfect for Iyer’s skill set, as home conditions traditionally favor batsmen who can play spin effectively. The pitches in India are expected to assist spinners as the series progresses, making Iyer’s expertise in this area all the more valuable.
Multi-Format Ambitions
Iyer’s ambitions extend beyond just Test cricket. Sources indicate that he is also set to be named in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, which will be played in T20 format from September 9-28 in the UAE. This would mark his return to T20I cricket after more than a year, with his last appearance coming in December 2023 against Australia.
The dual comeback across formats reflects the selectors’ confidence in his abilities and their recognition of his value as a versatile middle-order option across all three formats of international cricket.
What the Numbers Say
Shreyas Iyer’s Test Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 50s | 100s | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 14 | 24 | 811 | 36.86 | 5 | 1 | 105 |
| ODIs | 70 | 67 | 2845 | 47.42 | 22 | 1 | 113* |
| T20Is | 51 | 48 | 1104 | 29.83 | 8 | 0 | 76 |
Recent Domestic Performance
| Competition | Year | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | 2024-25 | 5 | 480 | 68.57 | 2 | 2 |
| IPL | 2024-25 | 31 | 955 | 45.48 | 0 | 7 |
Upcoming Test Series Schedule
| Series | Dates | Venue 1 | Venue 2 | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs West Indies | Oct 2-14, 2025 | Ahmedabad | Delhi | 2 Tests |
| vs South Africa | Nov 14-26, 2025 | New Delhi | Guwahati | 2 Tests |
The Bigger Picture
Iyer’s potential return comes at a crucial juncture for Indian cricket. With the team entering a new World Test Championship cycle, the need for experienced middle-order batsmen who can handle pressure situations becomes paramount. His ability to play both pace and spin, combined with his recent domestic form, makes him an attractive option for the team management.
The selectors’ emphasis on his “class and experience” suggests they view him as more than just a stop-gap arrangement. Instead, he appears to be part of their long-term plans for building a robust Test squad capable of competing effectively both at home and abroad.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Iyer’s return is largely positive, he will face several challenges in re-establishing himself in the Test setup. The competition for middle-order positions remains intense, with several young talents emerging in recent times. Additionally, he will need to prove that his domestic form can translate into consistent international performances.
However, the opportunities are equally significant. Playing at home provides him with the ideal platform to showcase his skills against quality opposition. The spin-friendly conditions expected during the home season could allow him to demonstrate exactly why the selectors believe his expertise is crucial.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Iyer’s inclusion could significantly impact India’s batting strategy and team balance. His experience of playing in various conditions and formats brings tactical flexibility that could prove invaluable in different match situations. Moreover, his leadership qualities, honed during successful IPL campaigns, could add depth to the team’s leadership group.
The psychological impact of his return should not be underestimated either. It sends a message to other fringe players that consistent domestic performances and the right attitude can pave the way back to international cricket.
Looking Ahead
As India prepares for what promises to be an exciting home season, Shreyas Iyer’s potential return adds another layer of intrigue to the proceedings. His journey from being dropped and losing his central contract to potentially earning a recall demonstrates the dynamic nature of international cricket and the importance of perseverance.
The upcoming Duleep Trophy, where Iyer has been named in the West Zone squad starting August 28, will provide another opportunity for him to showcase his form before the international assignments begin.
Read More: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI Selection Dilemmas as Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson Battle for Squad Places
FAQs
When did Shreyas Iyer last play a Test match for India?
Shreyas Iyer’s last Test appearance was in February 2024 during the home series against England at Visakhapatnam, after which he was dropped from the squad and lost his BCCI central contract.
What are Shreyas Iyer’s Test cricket statistics?
In 14 Tests, Iyer has scored 811 runs at an average of 36.86, including one century and five half-centuries. His highest score is 105, which came on his Test debut.
Why are selectors considering Shreyas Iyer’s return for the West Indies and South Africa series?
Selectors value his “class and experience” in the middle order and particularly his expertise in playing spin bowling, which will be crucial during India’s home season involving four Tests.
When are the Test series against West Indies and South Africa scheduled?
The West Indies series will be held from October 2-14, 2025 (Ahmedabad and Delhi), followed by the South Africa series from November 14-26, 2025 (New Delhi and Guwahati).
Has Shreyas Iyer been performing well in domestic cricket recently?
Yes, in the recent Ranji Trophy season, he scored 480 runs in 5 matches at an average of 68.57, including two centuries, demonstrating excellent form in first-class cricket.
