In the high-stakes world of international cricket, few players have faced as much scrutiny as Shreyas Iyer in recent months. The stylish middle-order batsman, once hailed as a cornerstone of India’s white-ball revolution, finds himself grappling with a series of setbacks in the red-ball format. His omission from the Asia Cup squad earlier this year marked a significant blow, and since then, Iyer has endured three consecutive failures in Test cricket, raising questions about his future in the longest format. As of September 18, 2025, with India preparing for another grueling home season, Iyer’s form slump has become a talking point among fans and pundits alike.
Iyer’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. Debuting for India in November 2021 against New Zealand, he wasted no time in making an impact, scoring a half-century in his first innings. His elegant strokeplay and ability to anchor innings quickly earned him a spot in the Test side. By 2023, he was a key player in India’s run to the World Test Championship final, contributing crucial knocks against Australia and England. However, the white-ball success that followed—captaining Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and starring in India’s T20 World Cup triumph—has ironically overshadowed his red-ball credentials. The Asia Cup omission in early 2025, where selectors opted for younger blood like Yashasvi Jaiswal and emerging talents, signaled a shift. It was a wake-up call for Iyer, who had prioritized limited-overs cricket amid a packed schedule.
The String of Red-Ball Disappointments
Post the Asia Cup snub, Iyer’s return to the Test arena has been far from inspiring. The first setback came during India’s tour of England in the summer of 2025, a high-pressure series that tested the team’s depth without stalwarts like Virat Kohli taking a brief break. In the opening Test at Lord’s, Iyer, slotted at number four, faced a probing attack from James Anderson and the resurgent English seamers. He managed just 12 runs in the first innings, falling to a loose drive outside off-stump, and followed it with a gritty but unproductive 28 in the second. Critics pointed to his tentative footwork against the moving ball, a vulnerability that had occasionally surfaced before but now seemed amplified under the weight of expectations.
The second failure was even more disheartening. Back home for the two-Test series against South Africa in late August, Iyer looked to rediscover his rhythm on familiar pitches. However, in the first Test at Centurion, he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings by Kagiso Rabada’s searing yorker, exposing technical frailties against express pace. His second-innings effort of 15 was cut short by a rash pull shot, leading to widespread speculation about his mindset. Pundits like Harsha Bhogle noted on air that Iyer’s body language suggested a lack of confidence, a stark contrast to the swagger he exhibits in ODIs and T20s. The third straight disappointment unfolded in the ongoing second Test against South Africa at Newlands. Batting on a lively pitch, Iyer edged a wide delivery from Lungi Ngidi to the slips for 8, sealing a trio of underwhelming performances. With scores of 12, 28, 0, 15, 8—hardly the numbers expected from a player of his caliber—calls for introspection are growing louder.
These failures aren’t isolated incidents. Iyer’s average in Tests since the 2023 WTC final has dipped below 30, a concerning trend for a batsman who once boasted a strike rate that blended solidity with flair. The Asia Cup omission appears to have played on his mind, disrupting the mental equilibrium that defines elite performers. Selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, have emphasized form over reputation, and Iyer’s white-ball exploits, while impressive, haven’t translated to the red-ball arena. The pressure to prove his versatility is mounting, especially with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia looming on the horizon.
Analyzing the Root Causes
What lies behind Iyer’s prolonged slump? Several factors contribute to this narrative of struggle. Technically, Iyer has always been more suited to subcontinental conditions, where his compact defense and off-side mastery shine. Against overseas seamers, however, his tendency to play away from the body has been exploited. Data from Cricbuzz analytics shows that in the last three Tests, 60% of his dismissals have come from edges or catches in the slips, highlighting a need for better leave decisions and a tighter technique.
Mentally, the Asia Cup snub has been a psychological hurdle. Iyer, known for his calm demeanor, admitted in a post-match press conference after the Newlands Test that the omission “hurt deeply” but motivated him to “come back stronger.” Yet, the visible frustration—slumping shoulders after dismissals and animated discussions with coaches—suggests unresolved baggage. The white-ball focus, driven by BCCI’s packed calendar, has meant fewer red-ball opportunities, leading to rustiness. India’s Test coach, Gautam Gambhir, has publicly backed Iyer, stating, “Shreyas is a class act; slumps are part of the game.” But privately, whispers in the team camp indicate concerns over his adaptability.
Injury history also plays a role. Iyer’s back issues in 2023-24 sidelined him for months, and while he’s recovered, the subconscious fear of niggles might be affecting his aggressive approach. Compared to peers like KL Rahul, who has navigated similar dips with technical tweaks, Iyer’s reluctance to overhaul his game could be a double-edged sword. Fans on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been vocal, with hashtags like #IyerOut trending briefly after the third failure, though a loyal section defends him as “underrated in Tests.”
Looking Ahead: Redemption or Reckoning?
As India eyes the 2025-26 home season, including Tests against Australia and potential WTC qualifiers, Iyer stands at a crossroads. A return to domestic cricket with Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy could provide the platform to rebuild confidence, but selection for the Australian series isn’t guaranteed. Emerging talents like Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel are knocking on the door, adding to the competition. Iyer’s IPL form with Punjab Kings—where he scored over 500 runs last season—remains a safety net, but red-ball redemption is essential for his all-format legacy.
Optimism persists among supporters. Iyer’s ability to score big when set is unmatched; recall his 87 against England in 2022 or the 105 in the WTC final. With net sessions focusing on seam movement simulations, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, there’s hope for a turnaround. The third setback might just be the catalyst needed. For a player who rose from Delhi’s domestic ranks to international stardom, resilience is in his DNA. Whether this phase marks a temporary blip or a deeper crisis, Shreyas Iyer’s story is far from over. In cricket’s unpredictable theater, comebacks are scripted by those who endure.
