As India prepares for a challenging five-match Test series against England a major talking point among fans and cricket pundits alike is the absence of Shreyas Iyer from both the senior and India A squads. The omission has sparked widespread debate particularly given Iyerrsquos current form and past contributions. Fresh Faces in Transitioning Test Side With the Test team entering a transitional phase following the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma the Indian selectors have turned their attention to young talents like Sai Sudharsan Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran. While the infusion of new blood is understandable eyebrows have been raised at the exclusion of Iyer mdash a batter many believe is in the form of his life. Also ReadFormer India star gives massive verdict on Karun Nairrsquos selection for A team Iyerrsquos Recent Form Hard to Ignore Currently leading Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League Iyer has shown remarkable poise and consistency. His performances in the recently concluded Champions Trophy were standout including a match-saving partnership with Kohli in the semi-final. His record in red-ball cricket is equally impressive during the last domestic season he averaged a staggering 68.57 in the Ranji Trophy. Notable Test Performances Overlooked? In the few opportunities hersquos had in Test cricket Iyer has shown considerable promise. A memorable example remains his gritty knock on a rank-turner against Sri Lanka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium where he emerged as Indiarsquos top scorer amid a batting collapse. Itrsquos performances like these that have fans questioning his absence. Social Media Erupts in Support Unsurprisingly netizens have been vocal in their disappointment. Shreyas Iyer scored 480 runs at an average of 68.57 in the Ranji Trophy. Still he isnt selected in the IND A squad for England tour pic.twitter.com/09WbSWjkT1 mdash Sports syncs @moiz_sports May 17 2025 ldquoIf Shreyas isnrsquot selected itrsquos not his loss mdash itrsquos Team Indiarsquosrdquo wrote one fan. Another remarked ldquoFirst Indian to score a century and fifty on Test debut. Now sidelined due to politics.rdquo ldquoNot even picked for India A? Thatrsquos shocking. He deserves a shot against Englandrdquo said a third. Shreyas Iyerrsquos First-Class Record Innings 137 Average 48.57 Centuries 15 First-Class Averages of Players Selected Ahead Sai Sudharsan 39 Ruturaj Gaikwad 42 Karun Nair 44 Feel for Shreyas Iyer. 🤍 His stats speak volumes! pic.twitter.com/XmWTVbxICp mdash Aditya Tomar @AdityaTomar_rt May 16 2025 Fighting Red-Ball Demons While Iyer has struggled overseas especially in SENA countries hersquos reportedly worked hard on his technique against pace and lateral movement. With Kohlirsquos departure leaving a vacancy in the middle order his improved red-ball credentials make a strong case for selection. A Risky Omission or Strategic Move? Whether Iyer excused himself to focus on the IPL or was genuinely overlooked remains unclear. But given his recent form leadership qualities and the void left by veterans many feel he deserves another shot. With a tough tour of England looming India may yet rue the decision to sideline a player who combines experience temperament and flair mdash all of which will be needed in English conditions.