Why Did Iyer and Shami Miss Out on the First Test?

Cricket fans were taken by surprise when the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh was announced on September 9, 2024. While the return of star players like Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah generated excitement, the absence of two key figures—Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Shami—left many puzzled. These players have been instrumental in India’s recent successes, making their omissions all the more intriguing. Let’s explore the reasons behind these unexpected decisions.

 

Shreyas Iyer’s Omission: Struggles with Form and Fitness

Shreyas Iyer has been a dynamic presence in India’s limited-overs setup, but his performances in Test cricket have been inconsistent. His exclusion from the first Test squad might seem surprising, especially after a recent half-century in the Duleep Trophy. However, a closer examination of his performance throughout 2024 reveals why the selectors might have opted to leave him out.

Iyer’s struggles began earlier this year when he was sidelined due to an injury during the Test series against England. This injury not only kept him out of action but also led to his removal from BCCI’s central contracts, further complicating his return to the Test side. Despite leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL 2024 title win, Iyer’s form in red-ball cricket hasn’t matched his limited-overs success.

His recent outings in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament and Duleep Trophy were underwhelming, signaling to the selectors that he might not be ready to reclaim his spot in the middle order. Additionally, the competition for middle-order positions in the Indian Test team has become fierce, with emerging talents like Sarfaraz Khan and the ever-reliable KL Rahul making strong cases for inclusion. This increased competition has pushed Iyer down the pecking order, making his path back to the Test team more challenging.

 

Mohammed Shami: A Cautious Approach to Recovery

Mohammed Shami, a cornerstone of India’s pace attack, has also faced his share of challenges in 2024, primarily due to injuries that kept him out of action for much of the year. Although there was speculation about his return, Shami’s name was conspicuously absent from the squad list for the first Test against Bangladesh. This decision seems to stem from a desire to ensure that Shami is fully fit before reintroducing him to international cricket.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had hinted at Shami’s potential comeback, but it appears that both the team management and selectors are prioritizing his long-term fitness. Shami is expected to represent Bengal in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, which begins on October 11, as a means to regain match fitness. This move suggests that India is keen to have Shami at his best for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand.

There is even speculation that Shami might miss the first Test against New Zealand as well, indicating that the team is taking a cautious approach to his return. Given Shami’s critical role in India’s pace attack, especially with significant tours and tournaments on the horizon, ensuring his full recovery is a sensible strategy.

 

The Return of Key Players

While the absence of Iyer and Shami has raised questions, the squad announcement also brought good news for Indian cricket fans. Rishabh Pant is set to make his much-anticipated return to Test cricket after a 20-month hiatus. His return is expected to strengthen India’s middle order and add the aggressive strokeplay that has made him a fan favorite.

Virat Kohli also makes a comeback after missing the previous home series against England due to the birth of his second child. Kohli’s inclusion underscores India’s intent to field a full-strength side against Bangladesh, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle gaining momentum.

Another significant return is that of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been absent from the squad since the T20 World Cup. Bumrah’s presence will bolster India’s bowling attack, with his ability to swing the ball making him a vital asset in subcontinental conditions.

 

Looking Ahead:

As the series kicks off on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India will be eager to start strong against Bangladesh. The second and final Test is scheduled for September 27 at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Despite the absence of Iyer and Shami, the Indian squad is rich with talent and ready to prove its worth against a competitive Bangladeshi side.

The spotlight will be on the returning stars—Pant, Kohli, and Bumrah—but the younger players in the squad will also need to rise to the occasion. For Iyer and Shami, the wait for their next opportunity continues as they focus on regaining form and fitness. Their time will come again, but for now, they must remain patient as they work towards making their comebacks.