Shreyas Iyer To Be Dropped From Playing XI Against England? - Aakash Chopra Makes Shocking Revelation

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra recently opened up about the absence of Shreyas Iyer from the national team in the shorter format. Aakash Chopra highlighted that the Indian team management has decided not to include Shreyas Iyer in the T20I squad.

Shreyas Iyer played a match-winning 53-run knock in the final T20I against Australia. However, Shreyas was excluded from the playing XI in the subsequent T20I series against South Africa. He was not included in the squad for the recent series against Afghanistan.

They Won’t Play Shreyas Iyer In T20s – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stated that Shreyas Iyer would struggle to find a place in the playing XI in Tests. Chopra mentioned that only two of Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill could make it to the squad.

“I think they have made up their mind that they won’t play him in T20s. ODIs won’t be there now. So overall, he will play Test cricket, and that too if he gets to play that because I feel only two among Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill will be able to play,” Chopra said.

“Who will be those two – I have got no idea whatsoever. For now, Shreyas is not even being considered for T20Is, ODI cricket is not happening, so only one thing is left. However, I feel he will have a good IPL season,” he added.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are almost confirmed in the top 5, while Shreyas, Rahul, and Gill compete for the remaining spots. Rahul is reportedly not being considered for the wicketkeeper-batter role in the upcoming Test series against England.

One of KS Bharat or Dhruv Jurel is anticipated to assume the role of the specialist wicketkeeper. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin will be the all-rounders in the playing XI. The challenge lies in determining the final composition of the team’s top order.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Is Not Part Of The Race – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently not actively in contention, neither in T20Is nor in Tests. The former Indian opener acknowledged Sanju Samson’s poor outing against Afghanistan but stated that he should be given more opportunities.

“He went to South Africa, didn’t play much as he got injured, his performances were not that great, and hasn’t been available after that. So, you cannot say he is being underestimated. However, the truth is also that he is not part of the race, neither in T20Is nor fully in Tests at the moment,” Chopra further stated.

“Let’s be honest, he played a bad shot (in the last T20I vs Afghanistan). However, if he is a serious contender, he should be given more chances. Is he a serious contender for the T20 World Cup – I have no idea whatsoever,” he concluded.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was not included in the T20I series against South Africa despite scoring a century in the previous series against Australia. He sustained an injury during the ODI series and was eventually ruled out of the first two Tests of the series against England.

Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill? Aakash Chopra Names Rohit Sharma’s Opening Partner For T20 World Cup 2024