New Delhi: India’s recently hired head coach Gautam Gambhir finally spoke out, albeit curtly, on Shreyas Iyer’s absence from the country’s Test team for the forthcoming England tour, declaring unequivocally, “I am not a selector.”
The middle-order batsman did not make the 18-man Indian team for the five-match Test series, which starts in Leeds on June 20, despite Iyer’s outstanding play and leadership in leading Punjab Kings to the IPL playoffs. Shubman Gill will captain the team, and Rishabh Pant will serve as his deputy. The two young players will guide India into a pivotal series.
While dodging the Iyer question, Gambhir took the opportunity to praise the BCCI for a move unrelated to on-field selections: inviting the chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces to the IPL 2025 final.
“It’s an unbelievable step,” said Gambhir, applauding the BCCI’s gesture. “We often criticise the BCCI, but this initiative unites the nation and salutes the armed forces who serve unconditionally.”
Honouring Operation Sindoor Heroes
In a previous announcement, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia had invited senior officers and soldiers, as well as Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, to attend the IPL final in Ahmedabad on June 3.
The military’s involvement in Operation Sindoor, which was initiated in reaction to the April 22 terror assault in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including tourists, was honored by this action. The BCCI’s gesture links the nation’s most popular athletic event to its national spirit while also honoring military bravery.
The Selectorial Puzzle
Back to cricket, Iyer’s omission has puzzled many cricket fans and analysts, considering his consistent IPL form and past performances in the longer format. However, Gambhir has made it clear he won’t meddle in selection matters.
“I’m not a selector,” he repeated, avoiding further discussion on the topic.
As India prepares for its high-stakes red-ball campaign in England, questions remain about the final XI, especially in the middle order where Iyer has previously delivered.
This is an interesting read, especially with the focus on team selection and the BCCI’s gesture towards the armed forces. Iyer’s exclusion seems surprising given his recent performances, and it raises questions about the selection criteria. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant leading the team is exciting, but will they handle the pressure of such a pivotal series? Gambhir’s praise for the BCCI’s initiative is commendable, as it highlights the importance of honoring our armed forces. However, I wonder if such gestures can overshadow the need for transparency in team selections. What do you think about balancing these off-field initiatives with on-field decisions? Also, do you believe Iyer’s absence will significantly impact India’s middle-order stability?