Shreyas Iyer is in the news again. This time, the reason is different. After being ignored for a long time, he now has another chance to wear the white jersey. Reports suggest that he may be included in the team for the Test series against West Indies and South Africa to be held in India. This return is not just because of the statistics, but for a special reason - his strong performances against spin.
Iyer's speciality against spin
The Indian selectors realise that spin plays a big role on home pitches. In such a situation, the team needs a batsman whose technique and footwork do not falter in front of spin. Iyer has scored runs in such conditions before, especially in India, where slow pitches test the batsmen. The selectors believe that Iyer's return is necessary to handle the middle order in this four-Test series against West Indies and South Africa.
Out of the team in 2024, hunger for runs again
He was dropped after the 2024 Test series against England. After this, the Indian middle-order batter's name was not even in the BCCI's central contract list, but Iyer did not give up. Playing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, he scored 480 runs in five matches. The average was 68.57, and he also scored two centuries. This performance now became the foundation of his comeback.
Eyes on the T20 team too
Not only Tests, according to the report, Iyer can also get a place in the T20 team again. His name is among the probables for Asia Cup 2025. The last time he played for India in T20 was against Australia in December 2023. If Iyer gets a place in the team, he will also return to T20 cricket after a long gap of one year.
Need for experience and balance
Team India are currently going through a phase where stability is needed in the middle order. This lack was clearly visible in the Tests against England. In the absence of experienced batsmen, the team faltered many times. Iyer's experience can fill this gap. His style is traditional and can also be aggressive according to the situation.
Shreyas Iyer's return is no longer just a matter of statistics. This is an opportunity for a player who has proved himself again in domestic cricket. The need for a batsman like Iyer to counter spin on home grounds is clear. If the selectors show confidence, then this return will not be just a name - it will also be a message that hard work and patience are definitely rewarded.
