Shreyas Iyer Poised for Test Comeback as Virat Kohli Considers Retirement
Potential Shift in India's Test Lineup
Virat Kohli's anticipated retirement from Test cricket may open the door for Shreyas Iyer's return to the format. Reports indicate that Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to retire just before the upcoming series against England. While no official statement has been made regarding Kohli's retirement, his exit would create a vacancy at the crucial number four batting position.
Shreyas Iyer last participated in a Test match against England in February 2024. He was previously omitted from the BCCI Central Contracts list due to his lack of participation in domestic red-ball cricket, a requirement set by the BCCI earlier this year. However, he made a comeback to domestic red-ball competitions in the latter half of 2024, including the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy.
During the Duleep Trophy, Iyer managed to score 154 runs across three innings, averaging 25.66. His performance improved in the Ranji Trophy, where he accumulated 480 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 68.5, including two centuries. Overall, in first-class cricket, Iyer has amassed 6,363 runs from 81 matches, boasting an average of 48.57.
| Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 14 | 24 | 811 | 105 | 36.86 | 1 | 5 |
| FC | 81 | 137 | 6363 | 233 | 48.57 | 15 | 33 |
Iyer also excelled in white-ball formats leading up to his return to the national team in January 2025. He scored 325 runs in five innings during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 345 runs in nine innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His remarkable comeback culminated in him being the top run-scorer for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Having made his Test debut in 2021, Iyer has played 14 matches, accumulating 811 runs at an average of 36.86, including one century and five fifties. Most of his runs were scored while batting at number six, where he totaled 432 runs in seven Tests. He also performed well at number five, scoring 294 runs in six matches, and managed to score 56 runs in his only appearance at number four.
Read also: Eden Gardens Removes IPL Branding Amid 2025 Suspension
Although Iyer has limited experience batting at number four, his recent performances indicate he is a strong candidate for the position once Kohli steps down. His first-class experience, with 6,363 runs at an average of 48.57, adds to his credentials.
Comparing Iyer to Kohli may not be entirely fair given Kohli's extensive experience, having scored 7,564 runs in 98 Tests at number four with an average of 50.09. Kohli faced challenges in the last series against Australia. While India has several options for the number four spot, Iyer's current form makes him a strong contender, pending the selectors' decision on his inclusion in the Test squad.