The upcoming India A vs Australia A 2025 series will be an important chance for several youngsters, but all eyes will also be on Shreyas Iyer. The middle-order batter has not played a Test for India since February 2024 against England, and his recent first-class form has drawn mixed reactions. With India’s Test home season starting on October 2 against the West Indies, followed by a two-match Test series against South Africa in December, Iyer’s performances could influence the selectors’ decision.
Mixed Returns Since Being Dropped
Iyer has been active in domestic cricket since losing his Test spot. His outings show both positives and areas of concern:
| Tournament | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duleep Trophy 2024 | 3 | 6 | 154 | 25.67 | 92.22 |
| Ranji Trophy 2024/25 | 5 | 7 | 480 | 68.57 | 90.23 |
Additionally, in the Buchi Babu Tournament 2024 for Mumbai, Iyer scored 2 and 22 in his two innings. While not standout performances, they added to his red-ball game time.
India’s Middle-Order Puzzle
India’s Test middle-order has been unsettled since Iyer’s absence. Players such as Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, and Dhruv Jurel were given chances in recent series, but their returns were modest. This leaves the door slightly open for a player with Iyer’s experience, provided he converts his starts into big scores in the India A games.
Why the Australia A Series Matters
The India A vs Australia A matches in Lucknow are expected to be competitive, giving Iyer a stage to prove his red-ball consistency. Strong performances here would not guarantee him a Test comeback, but they would strengthen his case at a time when selectors are searching for middle-order stability ahead of a busy Test season.
Balanced Outlook
On one hand, Iyer’s Ranji Trophy numbers (480 runs at 68.57) suggest he is still capable of delivering match-winning innings. On the other hand, his Duleep Trophy average of 25.67 and modest outings in the Buchi Babu Tournament highlight inconsistency. The selectors will likely want to see sustained form against quality opposition before drafting him back into the senior Test squad.
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s path to a Test comeback is not straightforward, but the Australia A series offers him a golden chance. If he capitalizes on the opportunity and produces consistent runs, he could re-emerge as a serious contender for India’s middle order in the upcoming home Test season.
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