The ultimate team man is now Shreyas Iyer. No matter the situation, Shreyas Iyer has raised his hands first, leading Punjab Kings by example. On Sunday, with PBKS suffering a top-order collapse against Rajasthan Royals, Iyer raised his hands up again, despite suffering a finger injury only a day before the crucial IPL 2025 match. But he did not care. He scored a gritty 25-ball 30-run knock to rescue PBKS, adding a 67-run stand with Nehal Wadhera. Now, the question is, will the BCCI Selection Committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, reward his commitment with a spot in the India vs England Test series?
Shreyas Iyer was one notable name missing from India A squad for England Lions series. Even though Shubman Gill was picked for the 2nd match, there was no mention of Iyer. Out of the Test squad since the England series in February last year, Iyer has worked on his shortcomings, especially against short balls. He has scored match-winning knocks for Mumbai and Punjab Kings this season. He was also one of the top batters for India in the ICC Champions Trophy. He has shown commitment, leadership qualities and form that India are lacking at the moment.
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Will Sheyas Iyer make the India squad?
With the India squad announcement expected later this month, Iyer will definitely be one of the topics of discussion. There is no Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in the India Test side anymore. In their experience, India need an experienced hand, something Iyer can offer. He even has the stats to back his claim.
After two disappointing red-ball outings in the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup, Iyer hit form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 345 runs in 8 innings. He continued that form with 325 runs in just five innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The big test for him was the Ranji Trophy, but Shreyas Iyer did not disappoint. He scored 480 runs in 7 innings at an average of 68.57. He even hit a century and a double century for Mumbai.
Iyer continued that run in the ODI series against England ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. In three matches, Iyer scored 181 runs at an average of 60.33. In the Champions Trophy, Iyer played his role perfectly, scoring 243 runs at an average of 48.60 in five innings.
“He has stepped up a level from what he was in KKR. That just comes with playing more cricket and being more confident in what you do. We are blessed to have him in our team. If you have a bad day as a player, he is going to be the same person towards you after the game,” PBKS bowling coach James Hopes said in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2025
While many doubted his calibre in T20s, Iyer never did. Despite leading Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL title in 2024, he was released. But as Punjab Kings jumped in to give him a massive Rs 26.75 crore offer, he paid back every penny. PBKS are just a win away from qualifying for the IPL playoffs for the first time since 2014. He has even led from the front. Iyer did not care about his centuries or half-centuries. He kept the team first, every time he batted this season.
In 12 innings, Iyer has scored 435 runs at an average of 48.33 and a massive strike rate of 174.70. Iyer has the best strike rate among Indian batters in the Top 10 of the Orange Cap race. He is only behind Nicholas Pooran at the moment in terms of strike rate. He is now 84 runs away from his best-ever IPL season.
Iyer’s form and his blazing knocks have made PBKS one of the favourites to win the title. Now that he has aced his tests, will the BCCI honour his commitment and reward him with a recall in the India Test squad for England series?
Shreyas Iyer in IPL year-wise
| Year | Mat | Runs | Avg | SR | HS | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 435 | 48.33 | 174.7 | 97* | 4 |
| 2024 | 15 | 351 | 39 | 146.86 | 58* | 2 |
| 2022 | 14 | 401 | 30.85 | 134.56 | 85 | 3 |
| 2021 | 8 | 175 | 35 | 102.33 | 47* | 0 |
| 2020 | 17 | 519 | 34.6 | 123.27 | 88* | 3 |
| 2019 | 16 | 463 | 30.86 | 119.94 | 67 | 3 |
| 2018 | 14 | 411 | 37.36 | 132.58 | 93* | 4 |
| 2017 | 12 | 338 | 33.8 | 139.09 | 96 | 2 |
| 2016 | 6 | 30 | 5 | 69.76 | 19 | 0 |
| 2015 | 14 | 439 | 33.76 | 128.36 | 83 | 4 |
| Career | 128 | 3562 | 33.6 | 131.83 | 97* | 25 |
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