Ravichandran Ashwin has issued a direct warning to the Ajit Agarkar-led India selection set-up, urging them to bring Shreyas Iyer back into the T20I fold. The former India all-rounder believes the cost to Indian cricket could be substantial if Iyer continues to be overlooked for the shortest format. Iyer last played a T20 International for India in 2023 against Australia, and since then he has not been included in India’s T20 plans. Ashwin, however, points to what he has seen in the Indian Premier League over the last two to three seasons, arguing that Iyer’s performances have earned him another chance. He also wants Iyer considered for a leadership role, citing the batter’s impact and development across his recent IPL stints with Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings over the past two years.
Push for Shreyas Iyer’s T20I return
Ashwin’s call comes after Iyer delivered a match-defining knock in the IPL 2026, further strengthening the case for his national selection. The spinner’s message is not framed as a demand for sympathy, but rather as an insistence that Iyer’s current form and mindset warrant inclusion in the team. Ashwin suggests that the batter has converted past disappointments into fuel, using the absence from major squads as motivation rather than as a reason to lose confidence.
IPL 2026 highlight: Punjab Kings’ win over Mumbai Indians
Ashwin’s stance gained fresh momentum following Punjab Kings’ dismantling of Mumbai Indians in an IPL 2026 fixture on Thursday. In that contest, Iyer struck a brilliant 66 from just 35 deliveries, playing a key role as Punjab overpowered the opposition. The knock underlined his ability to score quickly in high-pressure settings and reinforced Ashwin’s view that Iyer remains a serious T20 option for India.
- Match: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians (IPL 2026)
- Day: Thursday
- Iyer’s innings: 66 off 35 balls
- Result context: Punjab Kings dismantled Mumbai Indians in the match
Why Ashwin believes Iyer has changed gears
Ashwin also addressed the selection misses directly. He noted that Iyer was not picked for India’s T20 World Cup squads in 2024 or 2026, and for Ashwin, the key point is how Iyer responded to those snubs. Instead of letting rejection dull his edge, Ashwin claims Iyer has channelled frustration into an inner drive that has elevated his game to a higher level.
In Ashwin’s telling, the batter has answered repeated doubts—particularly those about handling short-pitched bowling—by showing a clear pattern of improvement. Ashwin referenced how Iyer used front-foot pressure to send a short delivery over mid-wicket for a massive six against Jasprit Bumrah. He also pointed to a similar attacking shot in Iyer’s very first match at Chepauk against Chennai, describing it as Iyer’s way of proving that he can deal with the short ball without needing anyone’s approval.
- Ashwin’s observation: Iyer has taken doubts about the short ball and turned them into performances
- Example cited: a front-press response to Jasprit Bumrah, hitting a short delivery for a big six over mid-wicket
- Another reference: a comparable shot against Chennai at Chepauk in Iyer’s first game
Ashwin linked that attitude to a larger mindset—one where Iyer does not try to explain himself to critics. He said that, in his view, Iyer has been demonstrating capability rather than seeking validation, and that such resolve is something that inspires him personally. Ashwin framed it as a life philosophy as well: don’t answer anyone, keep moving forward.
Strike-rate growth and impact vs pace
Beyond individual moments, Ashwin highlighted Iyer’s statistical progression, claiming the batter has worked on his strike rate over the last couple of years. Ashwin said Iyer’s strike rate has moved from the mid-120s to above 170 in T20 cricket. He further stated that, against fast bowlers, Iyer’s strike rate exceeds 300—suggesting not just improvement, but effectiveness at the highest intensity.
- Strike-rate development (Ashwin’s claim): from around 128 to well over 170 over two years
- Against fast bowlers (Ashwin’s claim): strike rate exceeds 300
- Key idea: Iyer is taking the attack to bowlers rather than waiting for the full ball
Ashwin also explained what he believes has changed technically. He argued that Iyer is now handling the short ball so effectively that bowlers can no longer use it as a safe fallback. In Ashwin’s view, attempts to “tuck him up” with short deliveries no longer provide the same relief or control, because Iyer is challenging the plan rather than merely surviving it.
A leadership role—and a warning on India’s loss
While praising Iyer’s form, Ashwin’s most pointed message concerns team role and responsibility. He argued that India should not only consider Iyer for selection, but also consider giving him a leadership position. Ashwin believes that if Iyer remains out of the side and is denied the chance to be part of leadership, then the loss would belong to the country—not to the player.
In his closing message, Ashwin emphasised Iyer’s skill set, describing his range as exceptional and his ability to extend through the shot as a major strength. He urged selectors to not ignore Iyer, warning that doing so could prove costly for India. Ashwin suggested that if Iyer is not in the scheme of things or part of the leadership group, then the resulting shortfall is India’s to own.
“Ignore Shreyas Iyer at your own peril. If he isn’t in the scheme of things or part of the leadership group, the loss isn’t his, it’s ours,” Ashwin said.
- Ashwin wants Iyer back in India’s T20I team after his IPL form
- He also wants Iyer considered for a leadership role
- If Iyer remains out, Ashwin believes India—not the player—will pay the price
