Shreyas Iyer’s Comeback: 5 Big Reasons Selectors Are Backing Him for Asia Cup 2025 and India’s Home Test Series

Shreyas Iyer celebrates half-century in India jersey during ICC match Shreyas Iyer raises his bat after a brilliant knock, strengthening his case for a national comeback ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

As the Indian selectors and the board finalize the squad for Asia Cup 2025 and the home Test series, all eyes are on Shreyas Iyer’s name, which was very much doing the rounds. Several credible reports suggest a recall is imminent and could be just around the corner in a major comeback for batsman who once upon a time was vital middle order batsman’s for India in all formats but has missed most of the past year.

Shreyas Iyer last played a game of international cricket during the England Test series in February 2024 and T20I against Australia in December 2023. After having a brief spell out of favor, he lost his position in the Test side and the T20I side. Not one to feel sorry for himself, Iyer reached out to both domestic and franchise cricket to produce a strong case for a return.

Credit : starsportsindia

Reasons why selectors have an eye on Iyer

  1. IPL 2025: Statistically Significant Performance

The most notable factor underpinning Iyer’s selection is the performance he had in the IPL 2025 season. Leading the newly named Punjab Kings, Iyer scored an unworldly 604 runs, with an average greater than 50 and a 175 strike rate, which was certainly one of the must consistent and impactful individual performances this season. This was after the franchise picked him up, in an avocado water bottle splash, for an astonishing ₹26.75 crores at the mega auction, which speaks to the expectations surrounding him for a reason. Iyer’s leadership saw PBKS make it all the way to the finals, which way closer than it should have been considering the team they faced – no one said this would be easy for them to win.

  1. Domestic Dominance

While IPL has caused raised eyebrows, his administration played the Ranji Trophy well. He scored 480 runs in five matches at an average of 68.5 – he showed his hunger and ability to play consistently in red-ball cricket. Reportedly, the selectors like how he could get through long innings and control pressure situations; all ingredients for the home Test season.

  1. Experience and Middle-Order Stability

Those who are part of the BCCI selection panel say Iyer’s “class and experience” are paramount. The Indian Test middle order, particularly in home conditions, has demonstrated inconsistency issues in the past. The departure of senior statesmen and younger players failing against spin has highlighted Iyer’s adeptness under turning tracks and finished chases as a necessary piece. When you consider Iyer’s record: one Test century, five fifties in 14 matches, and a debut Test century versus New Zealand, that all makes a convincing case for selection.

  1. The Spin Factor

India’s home Tests versus West Indies and South Africa will take place on spinning tracks. Iyer’s comfort when facing spin bowling is no secret, so he would be a good option for the selectors to consider. His rotating of strike against spin, sweeping and lofted drives, and ability to settle in while playing against quality spin have been sorely missed, most notably during India’s time against England in their Test series.

  1. Credentials Reinforced at the Champions Trophy

Iyer was also part of India’s winning run in the Champions Trophy of 2025, where he was the leading run-scorer and was awarded ICC Player of the Month March 2025. He has a track record of performing in the big occasions which gives him weight as a selector’s choice.

Competition and Team Dynamics

While Iyer is expected to return to the middle order, he will have tough competition for T20I and Test places with the likes of Sarfaraz Khan, Tilak Varma, and Karun Nair coming through the ranks. However, with Iyer’s current form and performance under pressure, he has a definite advantage for a place in either squad.

Fixtures Lined Up

India’s Asia Cup campaign is expected to begin in mid-September, followed by a two-match home Test series against West Indies (starting October 2) and South Africa later in the season. The squad announcement is imminent, and all indicators strongly point to Iyer’s inclusion.

What factors make Iyer a strong contender for Asia Cup 2025 selection

Shreyas Iyer is viewed as a serious candidate for selection for Asia Cup 2025, as a result of a mixture of outstanding recent form, tactical flexibility, and experience that matches the current needs of the team.

Primary considerations identifying Iyer as a top choice include:

  • Superb Recent Form: Iyer had a fantastic IPL 2025 season, scoring 604 runs at an average of over 50 while maintaining a strike rate beyond 175 – one of the league’s best. His match-winning quality and consistency have clearly developed during this season, which was clearly displayed with both substantial innings during the league and playoff and his ability to perform in stressful cases under pressure.
  • Playing Versatility Against Spin and Pace : While Iyer is considered a spin specialist, he has continuously shifted his game and improved his capability against pace. Iyer has worked with coaches to identify where he was weak in his game and it shows with his much higher strike rate against pace (188.15) in the IPL 2025 and he also carried a remarkably high rate against spin (154.47), which is useful given the pitches look slow and turning in the UAE for the Asia Cup. Teams such as Sri Lanka and Afghanistan rely heavily on spin, and Iyer being able to tackle this bowling is crucial.
  • Historical Performance in International and Domestic Cricket : Iyer accumulated over 1,100 T20I runs in his India career and has continually made contributions in previous tournaments. Further proving his readiness for a high-profile comeback he still was the highest run-scorer for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
  • Leadership and Big-Game Experience: Iyer’s stint as captain of Punjab Kings in IPL, where he led the team to the finals, demonstrated his calm presence under extreme pressure and ability to stabilize and accelerate innings as required traits that are important for high-pressure tournaments like Asia Cup. His temperament and decision-making ability adds value to the squad and has even led to conversations regarding possible vice-captaincy.
  • Balance and Stability for India’s Middle Order: With the retirement of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is, Iyer is viewed as necessary to inject balance and experience, particularly in tightly contested middle overs. Iyer’s ability to occupuy the batting space flexibly from 3 to 5 allows the team to maximize their benefit from declaring him for batting in the 3 to 5 range.
  • Success across different phases of innings: Iyer’s ability to perform in different phases of the innings has also been front and centre, as evidenced by IPL 2025 when he has established the role of finisher at a strike rate of 248+ in the overs at the death. His ability to offer flexibility depending on the changing scenarios of matches is critical as a player with positional utility.
  • Selectors’ Endorsement for Experience and Class: BCCI selectors and insiders have also wholeheartedly supported Iyer’s addition explicitly outlining his “class and experience”, particularly noting sacrifices made during their tour of USA/West Indies series, and the need for experience during Asia Cup and when hosting for the domestic season.

While competition is fierce for middle-order spots, with new talent coming through, Iyer ticks all the boxes for all formats, the progress he has made as a batter and his ability to perform under pressure, this all but guarantees him a place for the Asia Cup 2025.

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