The BCCI team selection for the 2025 Test series against England has stirred controversy. Former captain Sourav Ganguly openly condemned the decision to drop Shreyas Iyer from the squad. He strongly believes Iyer earned his place through consistent performance. Moreover, Ganguly stresses that form must guide selections.
Shreyas Iyer had an impressive IPL 2025 season. He was the top scorer for the Punjab Kings. Iyer has maintained excellent batting form over the past year. Many expected him to join the squad, with Kohli and Rohit unavailable. Nevertheless, the selectors overlooked him. Ganguly called this decision unfair.
According to him, Iyer has grown as a cricketer. Sourav believes Iyer’s form and temperament deserved a place in the Test team. “He has been playing at his best in the last year,” Ganguly said. “He is scoring under pressure, taking responsibility, and handling the short ball well.” The selection panel missed the mark on these qualities. Instead, they chose other candidates without really giving Iyer a fair chance. Ganguly remarked, “Even though Test cricket is a different game, I would have included him in this series to see what he’s capable of.”
Furthermore, Ganguly emphasized the importance of backing players who perform consistently across formats. He argued that ignoring IPL performance when selecting Test players can harm team morale and performance.
India is preparing to launch its new World Test Championship cycle with a thrilling five-match series against England. The first Test will start on June 20 at Headingley. This marks a crucial phase for Indian cricket with key senior players missing. A solid middle order is essential, and Iyer’s absence has sparked worries about the team’s overall balance.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts are diving into this discussion. A lot of them believe that leaving Iyer out sends a confusing message. They argue that performance should take precedence over reputation. As of now, the BCCI hasn’t shed any light on why Iyer was left out.
Meanwhile, the team prepares for tough conditions in England. Expectations are high. The selectors now face pressure to prove that their decisions were justified. The BCCI team selection for 2025 has become a major talking point. Ganguly’s pointed remarks have intensified the discussion further. Iyer’s omission raises questions, especially given his consistent performance. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how the selected players perform in the series.
