Shreyas Iyer totally shattered after Test snub for England tour? PBKS coach makes big revelation

Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin has revealed Shreyas Iyer's reaction after he was snubbed for the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England.

The right-handed batsman Shreyas Iyer has not played a Test for India since the Vishakhapatnam Test against England in February last year. However, he has done really well with the bat since then, while also displaying his leadership qualities during this period.

After being dropped from the Test team, he helped Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy last season. It was followed by a triumphant campaign in the IPL, where he led Kolkata Knight Riders to the trophy. Shreyas Iyer then impressed in the last season of the Ranji Trophy as well, scoring 480 runs in the seven innings at an average of 68.57 with two centuries.

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Earlier this year, he played a huge role in India winning the Champions Trophy. The Mumbai star finished the tournament as India's highest run-scorer ahead of the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. His performance in the ongoing IPL 2025 is equally impressive.

Also Read: Ricky Ponting orders Gautam Gambhir to hand Test debut cap to Arshdeep Singh in ENG series opener

In 14 games so far, Shreyas Iyer has scored 514 runs at a strike-rate of more than 170 and an average of over 50. Under his captaincy, the Punjab Kings have qualified for the playoffs after 10 years. With Iyer not wasting a single opportunity to impress on the cricket field, many expected him to be a part of India's Test side, especially after the retirement of Rohit and Kohli.

We didn't have to pick him up: Brad Haddin on Shreyas Iyer

However, the selectors have decided against including Shreyas Iyer in the Test team for the tour of England. While the likes of Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan earned a call-up for the tour, there was no place in the team for Iyer.

The snub definitely raised a number of eyebrows with not only fans but several former cricketers also expressing their disappointment over the selectors' decision. Now, Punjab Kings coach Brad Haddin has revealed how Iyer reacted after being ignored for the Test series against England.

Speaking on the LiSTNR Sport podcast, the former Australian cricketer said that Iyer was upbeat even after the snub. Haddin heaped praise on Iyer's 'ultra-aggressive' leadership and said that the batsman has been fully focused on the Punjab Kings.

"We didn't have to pick him up. His leadership quality around the group has been ultra-aggressive since Day 1. He is coming to camp with a real focus and drive to make Punjab a great cricket franchise.

"And that's what he has done. He hasn't wavered in his thought process through the whole time. He's been exceptional around our group; he's been exceptional off the field," Haddin told Adam Peacock.

"A lot of people don't see the work he does off the field; not only with the coaching staff but to bring the whole team together. He is very prepared. What I like about him is his cricket IQ. He thinks on the spot; reads the game really well so he’s been top shelf from Day 1. I am not changing anything, any selections," he added.

Iyer and Punjab Kings are currently gearing up for the first qualifier against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The match is scheduled to be played on Thursday (May 29) in Chandigarh.