Virat Kohli’s Test Future Could Decide Shreyas Iyer’s Fate Ahead of England Tour: BCCI Awaits Key Twist

BCCI Awaits Key Twist: After putting up a stellar domestic season, Shreyas Iyer may have found a way back on to the central contracts list issued by the BCCI, but much less certain is a call-back to the Indian Test squad.

The middle-order batter is a regular feature in the Indian ODI team and has very recently made notable contributions in India's Champion Trophy victory, yet even for India A or the senior side, Iyer does not currently figure in the selectors' schemes. Whereas, Kohli could see things differently for the middle-order batter.

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As per the report issued by Cricbuzz, Iyer is not presently a part of the immediate scheme of things. However, should Kohli, who has currently been believed to have intentions to retire from Test cricket, go to the extent of actually ending his red-ball career, that may just provide an opportunity for an England series selection for Iyer. With the team being in a transition phase and the ones that vacated the spot being Rohit Sharma, the BCCI is trying to convince Kohli to hold off on any such decision.

Iyer's Test career saw its last chapter while playing against Ireland in February 2024: there's been some turbulence over the past one year. In the same month, he was dropped from the central contract list for failing to make himself available for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. The BCCI had sent a clear message to the player: those who did not prioritize domestic cricket over the IPL will face consequences. Iyer, on his part, cited a back injury, but the board was clearly not convinced.

Eventually, he joined Mumbai in the knockout stages, serving a vital role in their title-winning run. Iyer retained his services for Mumbai into the 2024/25 season and churned out stellar performances for the side in multiple formats. With that flurry of form and commitment, Iyer was able to earn back a central contract in the renewed list announced earlier this year. Having said that, selectors might remain indecisive over his red-ball future.

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Transitional phase

The upcoming series in England are now being viewed as a new chapter in Test cricket with a fresh captain set to step in. Reports strongly suggest Gill taking over the reins upon Rohit's retirement; however, Kohli's uncertain presence will certainly enforce a deeper leadership vacuum with KL Rahul and Jasprit Bamrah stepping up into prominent leadership roles.

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