How Can Strong IPL Performance Result in Test Selection? Ashwin Responds to Shreyas Iyer's Red-Ball Comeback Proposal
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Shreyas Iyer has made significant progress in his career. In 2024, he was excluded from the BCCI's central contracts list after being unavailable for Ranji Trophy matches with Mumbai. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old has made a strong comeback by delivering consistent performances in ODIs, leaving the question of his potential return to the Test team open. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, however, contends that a successful performance for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) should not be a factor in considering Shreyas for the Test squad.
Ashwin argues that different formats should not be conflated, asserting that a commendable IPL performance should only influence selections for T20Is, not Tests. On his YouTube channel, he analyzed the prospects of both Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in the forthcoming 18th season of the lucrative league.
During the discussion regarding PBKS, one panelist mentioned that Shreyas has much at stake in IPL 2025, suggesting that a strong performance with the franchise could facilitate his return to the Test team.
Ashwin, however, expressed his discontent with this notion. He questioned how a successful IPL could justify a place in the Test squad, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clarity between formats.
"Can you explain how a successful IPL could warrant a Test selection? How does excelling in the IPL enhance your Test credentials? If a player performs well in ODIs, articles emerge advocating for their inclusion in Tests," Ashwin remarked on his channel 'Ash Ki Baat'.
"If a player excels in Tests, discussions arise about their potential return to T20Is. Isn't this approach misguided? A strong IPL performance should only enhance one's T20I credentials," he concluded.
'Shreyas a fabulous player'
Ashwin commended Shreyas Iyer's remarkable comeback, highlighting the significant contribution the right-handed batsman made in securing KKR's third title last year. Previously, Shreyas had expressed his feelings of underappreciation despite leading the Kolkata franchise to victory.
Recently, Shreyas Iyer was also recognized as India's unsung hero during the Champions Trophy, receiving accolades from none other than captain Rohit Sharma.
"Shreyas Iyer has performed exceptionally well. Given his form in the Champions Trophy, I would not be surprised if he continues to excel in the IPL. He is an outstanding player and played a crucial role in KKR's title win last season," Ashwin remarked.
In terms of Shreyas Iyer's future, he is set to captain the Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. The team will kick off their season on Tuesday, March 25, against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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