Ex-Australia skipper Ian Chappell recently provided a critical analysis of Shreyas Iyer's performance following his exclusion from India's Test squad for the series' concluding three matches against England. The Indian team, gearing up for the third Test in Rajkot starting on February 15, revealed a 17-member squad without Iyer, raising questions about his form and batting prowess.
Chappell highlighted the anticipated boost KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja's return could give to the Indian squad but underscored the challenges Rohit Sharma and his team face against an invigorated English side.
"India is a strong side and they also have a good leader in Rohit Sharma. They will be greatly strengthened by Ravindra Jadeja's and KL Rahul's recovery from injury, but that Virat Kohli will not return for the rest of the series is a blow. Hopefully, the selectors will now stop overestimating Shreyas Iyer's batting ability and learn to value Kuldeep Yadav's wicket-taking capability more," Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.
Shreyas Iyer's struggles after 2023 ODI World Cup
After an impressive showing in the World Cup 2023 post an injury hiatus, Iyer found it challenging to replicate his success in the Test arena. Expected to be a reliable middle-order asset for India, especially in Virat Kohli's absence, Iyer could only amass 104 runs over four innings in the series' initial two matches.
Iyer's recent Test performances have seen him unable to score a half-century in 13 innings. There's speculation around a back spasm he may have suffered following the Vizag Test, leading to his omission from the squad. The exact reason for his absence, whether due to injury or selection choices, remains unconfirmed, fuelling speculation about the selectors' confidence in him.
Jadeja, Rahul returns; Kohli absent
The selection committee has brought back Jadeja and Rahul for the series' last stretch, with their participation contingent on passing fitness tests. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli's absence continues for personal reasons.
The Indian squad reached Rajkot on Monday morning, with England's team, led by Ben Stokes, expected to arrive later from Abu Dhabi, where they took a break following the second Test in Vizag. With the series currently tied at 1-1 after India's comeback win in Vizag, both teams are preparing for a pivotal clash in Rajkot.
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