Ravichandran Ashwin Questions IPL’s Role in Test Selection
Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the debate surrounding Shreyas Iyer’s potential return to the Test team, firmly stating that a strong Indian Premier League (IPL) season cannot be a criterion for Test selection.
Iyer, who recently topped the scoring charts for India in their ICC Champions Trophy triumph, is determined to reclaim his place in the national Test and T20 squads. However, Ashwin dismissed the idea that an impressive IPL 2025 campaign could influence selectors for the red-ball format.
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IPL Performance ≠ Test Cricket Potential, Says Ashwin
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin questioned the logic behind linking IPL performances to Test team selections:
- “Tell me one thing: how can a good IPL lead to a Test call-up? How can you improve your Test credentials if you have a good IPL?” Ashwin asked.
- He acknowledged that ODI form could sometimes translate into Test opportunities but rejected the notion that success in T20 cricket should impact red-ball selection.
- “If someone does well in ODIs, people start talking about including them in Tests. If someone shines in Tests, they want him back in T20Is. Isn’t all this wrong?” he added.
Shreyas Iyer’s Redemption Arc in International Cricket
Shreyas Iyer’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational:
- From being omitted from BCCI’s central contracts to emerging as India’s leading run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy, Iyer has proved his critics wrong.
- His match-winning performances played a pivotal role in India’s title-winning campaign.
- Despite his stronghold on India’s No. 4 ODI spot, Iyer is eager to cement his place in the Test and T20 teams as well.
What’s Next for Iyer? IPL 2025 and Beyond
Ashwin believes Iyer’s stellar form in the Champions Trophy could carry over into IPL 2025, where he will represent Punjab Kings.
- “Shreyas Iyer has done really well. The form he showed in the Champions Trophy, I won’t be surprised if he carries on in the IPL,” Ashwin said.
- He also highlighted Iyer’s role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) previous IPL triumph, praising his ability to anchor innings and play match-winning knocks.
Expert Take: The Real Path to Test Cricket
Cricket analysts agree with Ashwin’s viewpoint that a player’s Test selection should be based on domestic red-ball performances rather than T20 success. Factors that truly matter include:
- Ranji Trophy & First-Class Cricket: Consistent performances in these formats remain the most credible path to a Test call-up.
- A-List Cricket: India A matches serve as a crucial platform for selectors to gauge a player’s long-format temperament.
- Technical Adaptability: Test cricket demands patience, footwork, and resilience—skills not always tested in T20 leagues like IPL.
Have Your Say!
Do you think IPL performances should influence Test selections? Should Shreyas Iyer get another shot in the Indian Test team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
