Sourav Ganguly Slams BCCI’s Selection Snub of Shreyas Iyer for England Tour
Former India captain calls omission ‘unjustified’, questions selection logic amid Iyer’s prime form
By Special Correspondent | June 11, 2025 | New Delhi
A major selection controversy has erupted in Indian cricket. Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and ex-president of the BCCI, has publicly criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India for excluding Shreyas Iyer from the Test squad for the upcoming five-match series against England.
Ganguly called the decision “unjustified” and “surprising.” He accused the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, of ignoring Iyer’s recent form, adaptability, and leadership skills. His comments have reignited debates about transparency, consistency, and fairness in India’s team selection process.
A Squad Announcement That Sparked Debate
The BCCI recently announced the Indian squad for the England series, which begins on June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds. While the list includes fresh talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajat Patidar, and Sai Sudharsan, Shreyas Iyer’s absence stood out.
Speaking to media soon after the squad was made public, Ganguly said, “He [Shreyas Iyer] is not the player who should be left out. He has scored under pressure, led from the front, and is in the best shape of his career. You don’t drop such players unless there’s something more to it.”
Iyer’s Form Speaks for Itself
Over the past two years, Iyer has consistently delivered across formats. In IPL 2025, he scored more than 600 runs for Punjab Kings. His performance helped the team reach its first final in over a decade. He averaged over 55 and had a strike rate beyond 170.
In red-ball domestic cricket, he tallied 548 runs in the recent Ranji Trophy season. This included two centuries and a critical 89 in the semifinals. Once criticized for struggling against short-pitched bowling, Iyer has worked on that area and now handles pace confidently.
“He has addressed the one area critics pointed out—short balls,” Ganguly said. “Now, he’s arguably one of the most complete middle-order players in the country.”
Selectors Stay Silent on Justification
The BCCI has not released an official reason for Iyer’s exclusion. However, insiders suggest concerns over his fitness—particularly recurring back issues—and doubts about his red-ball temperament may have influenced the decision. Some in the selection panel reportedly believe he hasn’t yet cemented his place in Test cricket.
A senior official, speaking off the record, said, “There’s no doubt Shreyas is in good form. But Test cricket, especially in England, isn’t the place to experiment.”
Ganguly, however, dismissed this perspective. “When else do you give a player in form an opportunity to prove himself, if not now? This is not experimentation—it’s rewarding performance,” he insisted.
Team in Transition, Pressure on Leadership
India’s Test team is in a period of significant transition. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from red-ball cricket earlier this year, creating key vacancies in the middle order. Shubman Gill will lead the team in England, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy.
Ganguly believes this shift makes Iyer’s omission even more puzzling. “Shreyas has led IPL teams, has experience in pressure situations, and is in the best mental space of his career. He’s exactly the kind of player you need when building a team around a new captain,” he said.
Fan Outrage and Mixed Reactions
The cricketing world has reacted strongly. Social media has seen an outpouring of support for Iyer, with hashtags like #JusticeForIyer and #GangulyRight trending. Fans are demanding clarity from the BCCI.
Veterans like VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh have echoed Ganguly’s concerns. They argue that selectors should reward recent performance rather than relying solely on reputation.
However, others support the selectors. Some analysts believe India’s squad depth means hard calls are inevitable. Former selector Devang Gandhi commented, “Sometimes, the right call on paper isn’t the popular one.”
Bigger Questions About Selection Philosophy
Ganguly’s remarks raise broader issues beyond just Iyer’s case. Many observers feel the BCCI’s selection process lacks consistency and transparency. Recent controversies—including Axar Patel’s omission from key tours and frequent captaincy changes—add to the confusion.
“Selectors need to establish a clear pathway from domestic performance to national selection,” Ganguly argued. “Players should not be left wondering what more they must do.”
What’s at Stake in the England Series
As India prepares for the England tour, the focus will be on performance under pressure. English conditions will challenge technique, especially in the middle order. If the selected batters struggle, questions about Iyer’s exclusion will resurface quickly.
On the other hand, strong performances may validate the selectors’ choices—at least temporarily. Either way, the scrutiny will remain intense.
Conclusion: A Selection Saga with Consequences
Sourav Ganguly’s public criticism has added urgency to the conversation around India’s Test team. His comments highlight the difficult balance between form, fitness, and trust in the selection process.
As India embarks on a crucial tour, attention will be on both those wearing the jersey and those unexpectedly left out. In this era of change, the decisions made today may define Indian Test cricket’s direction for years to come.