Shreyas Iyer’s Test cricket comeback is officially in motion. He has made himself available for the Duleep Trophy 2025, taking a bold step toward reclaiming his spot in India’s Test team. With this move, Iyer signals that he’s ready to fight for a place in the red-ball format once again.
To begin with, Iyer informed the Mumbai Cricket Association of his availability. It looks like he’s set to take the field for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy, which is starting on August 28. This decision comes at a crucial time, as India prepares for a packed Test calendar.
It’s important to point out that Iyer hasn’t played in a Test match since February 2024. He last appeared during the home series against England. Since then, injuries and inconsistent form have kept him out of the red-ball squad. By participating in the Duleep Trophy, he hopes to jog the selectors’ memories about his skills in Test cricket.
Moreover, Iyer isn’t alone in this comeback journey. Players like Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, and Tushar Deshpande have also confirmed their participation in the tournament. Together, they add depth and experience to the West Zone squad.
Additionally, the West Zone selection committee named Shardul Thakur as the captain. Though Iyer is a seasoned leader, selectors preferred Thakur due to his all-around abilities and recent performances. Even so, Iyer’s inclusion highlights his intent to push his case through runs, not reputation.
Importantly, Iyer has a solid track record in red-ball cricket. In just 14 Test matches, he has scored over 811 runs, including a century and 5 fifties. Even so, the selectors decided to leave him off the squad for the recent England tour, opting for Karun Nair instead.
However, head coach Gautam Gambhir’s message is clear: perform in domestic cricket and you will be rewarded. Gambhir values form over past glory. Therefore, Iyer’s choice to participate in the Duleep Trophy fits seamlessly with this new selection policy.
Furthermore, the Duleep Trophy serves as an ideal platform for fringe players. Since West Zone directly enters the semifinals on September 4, Iyer will have at least one high-stakes match to prove his fitness, form, and mindset under pressure.
Meanwhile, fans on social media have shown mixed reactions. Some believe Iyer deserves another chance in Tests. Others feel he must prove his red-ball form again, especially after focusing more on white-ball formats recently.
Nevertheless, Iyer looks determined. He understands the competition is tough. Yet, he’s stepping up when it matters most. His move also sends a message to the selectors that he’s not giving up.
Besides, many current Test players like KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj are not participating in this edition of the Duleep Trophy. Their absence creates more opportunities for players like Iyer to grab the spotlight.
Looking ahead, the tournament will be held in Bengaluru and is likely to attract national selectors. If Iyer performs well, he could return to India’s middle order, which has struggled for stability in recent series.
To conclude, the Duleep Trophy could be the turning point in Shreyas Iyer’s Test cricket comeback. By committing to domestic cricket and focusing on red-ball form, he has taken the right first step. Now, it’s up to him to turn this opportunity into a statement.
