Since his last half-century back in December 2022, Shreyas Iyer has averaged a paltry 15.80 in 11 Test innings. On Friday, he got another chance with KL Rahul and Virat Kohli both out injured. But Iyer missed the mark again, scoring 27 in India’s first innings of the IND vs ENG 2nd Test. It was Sarfaraz Khan who had to warm the bench after three long years of waiting for a call-up. Iyer’s poor form raises the question if Team India are stubborn in persisting with Iyer instead of providing Sarfaraz Khan with his much-deserved chance.
The squad selection for the remaining three IND vs ENG Test will be soon. And selectors must take a call.
Numbers don’t lie
The runs have dried up for Shreyas Iyer in Tests. The batter has nothing to justify his selection in India’s Test squad. Iyer on Friday was dismissed by Tom Hartley for 27. That marked a continuation of his torrid form. He has just not been able to get going in Tests. He has scored 12, 0, 26, 31, 6, 0, 4, 35, 13 and 27 in his last 10 Test innings.
On the other hand, Sarfaraz Khan has done enough to warrant a chance in India’s Test Playing XI. The Mumbai batter has scored tons of runs in the domestic circuit in the last three years. He has proven his mettle during the India A vs England Lions unofficial Test too.
The batter’s scores read 96, 4, 55 and 161 against the England Lions. With that, he forced his way to Team India. But the team management went with Iyer in the starting XI instead.
Sarfaraz Khan is technically gifted too. He is adept at scoring runs in sweeps and reverse-sweeps. The batter would have been a perfect fit for India, with England’s spinners dominating the proceedings in the first Test. Sarfaraz is as confident as ever. India could have benefitted with a solid, consistent batter in the middle order.
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