Wed Sep 18 01:39:12 UTC 2024: ## Shreyas Iyer’s Test Comeback Uncertain After Poor Duleep Trophy Form
**New Delhi, India:** Shreyas Iyer’s hopes of returning to the Indian Test team have taken a hit after a disappointing performance in the Duleep Trophy. The star batter, who was omitted from the first Test against Bangladesh, has managed only 104 runs in four innings, raising concerns about his form.
BCCI officials have expressed doubt about Iyer’s immediate Test future. According to a BCCI official, there is no room for him in the current team and his shot selection in the Duleep Trophy has been a cause for concern. Another official suggested that Iyer will likely continue his domestic grind, and his chances of featuring in the upcoming five-match Test tour of Australia later this year seem slim.
“At the moment, there’s no room for Shreyas to be in the Test team. Who will he replace?” the official said. “Besides, his shot selection has been a concern in Duleep, especially yesterday (Sunday). He was well set and then suddenly played such a shot (off left-arm spinner Shams Mulani).”
The official further mentioned that Iyer will likely be included in the Mumbai squad for the Irani Cup, which begins on October 1st in Lucknow. While he might feature in the upcoming Bangladesh T20Is starting October 6th, he could miss the first match and return for the second T20I onwards.
“Shreyas could be there (in the Mumbai squad) for the Irani Cup (beginning on October 1 in Lucknow). Even if he’s picked for the Bangladesh T20Is (from October 6), he still might play Irani and then be available from the second T20I onwards,” another BCCI official stated.
The official acknowledged Iyer’s previous impressive form in the ODI World Cup last year, but highlighted his struggles against the short ball and the need to regain his form.
“Now, if he doesn’t fire in Irani too, he still has the Ranji Trophy to get runs. It wasn’t too many days ago when he was batting so well in last year’s ODI World Cup. He suffered an injury too, which needs to be considered. Also, with still one round left in Duleep, you never know he might score a hundred. He needs to regain form. Most likely he won’t go to Australia for his problems against the short ball, but one can’t just ignore his runs at home,” the official added.
Iyer’s future in Test cricket hinges on his ability to regain his form in upcoming domestic tournaments and demonstrate his ability to overcome his weaknesses against the short ball.
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