Gambhir’s Sharp Retort on Iyer’s Test Squad Omission Sparks Buzz
NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, delivered a curt response when questioned about Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 in Leeds. “I am not a selector,” Gambhir snapped at a journalist during a press conference, sidestepping further discussion on the matter. His pointed remark has since gone viral, fueling conversations about Iyer’s absence from the team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the squad, with Shubman Gill named captain and Rishabh Pant as his deputy. While most selections aligned with expectations, Iyer’s omission raised eyebrows, given his impressive form in domestic cricket and the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he emerged as India’s leading run-scorer with 243 runs in five matches. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the decision, stating, “Shreyas had a good one-day series and played well in domestic cricket, but right now, there’s no room in Test cricket.”
Iyer, who last played a Test in February 2024 against England in Visakhapatnam, has been in fine form, notably leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 playoffs. Despite his recent performances, the selectors opted for other players, including Karun Nair, who returns after a seven-year hiatus, and Abhimanyu Easwaran to bolster the top order. Mohammed Shami was another notable exclusion due to ongoing fitness concerns.
Gambhir, a former BJP MP, shifted focus during the press conference to praise the BCCI for inviting the chiefs of India’s armed forces to the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad on June 3. “We often criticize the BCCI, but this is an unbelievable step,” he said, calling it a significant gesture.
Meanwhile, Iyer’s leadership will be under scrutiny as Punjab Kings face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 on Thursday. Both teams, having secured top-two finishes, are vying for a spot in the final, with Punjab Kings showing newfound consistency under Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting.