Shreyas Iyer’s stunning IPL 2025 debut has sparked a national conversation about his place in India’s Test, ODI, and T20I teams. Sourav Ganguly’s strong endorsement adds fuel to the fire.
Shreyas Iyer’s IPL 2025 Blitz Ignites Debate: Is He Ready for a Full International Return?
A 97-Run Masterclass
Shreyas Iyer’s explosive 97* off just 42 balls in the opening match of IPL 2025 has sent shockwaves through the Indian cricket community. His breathtaking innings against the Gujarat Titans, punctuated by five fours and nine towering sixes, powered Punjab Kings to a commanding 243/6 and victory.
This electrifying performance has reignited the debate surrounding his international future, particularly his potential return to the Test and T20I squads.
Iyer’s Calculated Aggression
Iyer’s innings wasn’t just brute force; it was a calculated display of aggressive batting. His initial four runs off the first ball set the tone, showcasing his intent and unwavering confidence.
He demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, consistently finding the boundaries and clearing them with ease.
Sourav Ganguly’s Powerful Endorsement
Former Indian captain and BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly, weighed in with a powerful endorsement on X, hailing Iyer as the “most improved batsman in the last year.”
Ganguly’s statement wasn’t just praise; it was a call to action, urging Punjab Kings’ coach Gautam Gambhir to champion Iyer’s inclusion in the national squads. This adds significant weight to the growing calls for Iyer’s return.
From Doubt to Triumph: Iyer’s 2024 Resurgence
Iyer’s 2024 was a year of both challenges and remarkable achievements. While he remained a consistent performer in ODIs, his Test and T20I positions were uncertain. A controversial drop from the Test team initially appeared to derail his international ambitions.
However, Iyer bounced back impressively, leading Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title and guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders to a third IPL triumph. His pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy victory further solidified his credentials. His consistent performance clearly showcases his resilience and growth as a player.
The Road Ahead: A Place in All Three Formats?
Iyer’s blistering IPL 2025 start could be the turning point in his international career. His recent domestic success and continued dominance in ODIs, combined with his explosive IPL performance, present a compelling case for his inclusion across all three formats. In today’s cricket, all-round ability is paramount, and Iyer’s consistent improvement ticks all the boxes.
A Call for Re-evaluation
The combined impact of Iyer’s exceptional IPL performance and Ganguly’s public support highlights a critical need for a re-evaluation of the Indian cricket selection process. Is the selection committee accurately assessing Iyer’s capabilities?
Are they overlooking his significant progress? The coming weeks will be crucial, offering the selectors a vital opportunity to assess Iyer’s talent and decide if he deserves a prominent role in the Indian team for all formats.
This isn’t solely about Iyer; it’s about ensuring the selection process effectively identifies and utilizes the talent at its disposal.
