Shreyas Iyer’s career has seen significant changes. After being removed from BCCI’s central contracts list in 2024 for missing Ranji Trophy matches, he made a strong comeback in ODIs. However, his potential return to Test cricket remains uncertain.
Former India spinner R Ashwin has expressed concerns about using IPL performance as criteria for Test team selection. During a discussion about Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders on his YouTube channel, Ashwin responded to suggestions that Iyer’s IPL 2025 performance could influence his Test comeback.
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“Tell me one thing: how can a good IPL lead to a Test call-up? How can you improve your Test credentials if you have a good IPL? If you do well in ODIs, someone writes an article about having that player in Tests,” Ashwin said on his channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.
“If someone does well in Tests, people start talking about return in T20Is. Isn’t all this wrong? If you have a good IPL, then only your T20I credentials should improve,” he added.
Ashwin acknowledged Iyer’s contributions in Kolkata Knight Riders’ third title victory. Iyer had previously mentioned not receiving adequate recognition for leading KKR to their championship win. Captain Rohit Sharma recently praised Iyer as India’s silent hero in the Champions Trophy.
“Shreyas Iyer has done really well. The form he showed in the Champions Trophy, I won’t be surprised if he carries on in the IPL. He is a fabulous player. He was instrumental in helping KKR win the title last season,” said Ashwin.
Iyer will captain Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. Their opening match is scheduled against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Tuesday, March 25.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.
