‘He will know’ Monty Panesar gives a brutal verdict on Shreyas Iyer Snow for the tests of India vs England

Shreyas Iyer’s omission remains one of the biggest talking points after India’s squad for the England Tests was announced on Saturday. While Karun Nair earned a recall after 7 years, Shreyas was snubbed despite a stellar last couple of years across formats. With the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had a few spots to fill. However, the Men in Blue went the way of Sai Sudharsan and Nair, extending Shreyas’ wait for another Test cap.

Shreyas’ exclusion for the IND vs ENG Tests has divided opinion. Iyer has endeared himself with match winning performances for India in the World Cup 2023 and the Champions Trophy 2025. He led KKR and Mumbai to T20I titles, while his Punjab Kings are currently in the IPL 2025 playoffs.

Monty Panesar on Shreyas Iyer snub: He’d be vulnerable in swinging conditions

Did India miss a trick by not picking Shreyas Iyer? Former England spinner Monty Panesar doesn’t think so. Speaking exclusively to Insidesport.IN ahead of the India vs England series, Panesar believes Shreyas ‘lacks the technique’ to succeed in English conditions.

“India haven’t missed a trick with Shreyas Iyer. He is a very good player on subcontinent pitches. His technique is very much suited to flat pitches, he’s dominant and score really well. He averages 64 in Ranji Trophy. I think in the seaming, swinging conditions in England, he’s vulnerable. Think that’s one of the reasons [why he was omitted]Technically he came to know, “ Panesar told insidessport.in

Shres Iyer Test Career

At first glance, Shreyas Iyer is slightly better than home than India. However, a large part of those 277 runs has come in Bangladesh. The PBKS captain has played only one Test in England, scoring 34 runs in two innings. Outside Asia, Shreyas has scored just 75 runs in 6 innings, with 31 best attempts.

The credit of taking the spin down made him an important Dalit in India’s ODI line. And when he missed the call up for the India vs England series, Monty Panesar believes that Shreyas has a game to play spinning tracks and tests on the fast wicket.

“On the flat, on spinning pitches, I think he is a superstar. But in swinging, I don’t think he has technology. He does not play late balls, he does not have a soft hand. He has a quick hand. He does not take a lot of hands, which coordinate the luxurious hand, which is favorable for the brilliant hand, which is perceived for bouncing pitch.” Panesar said.

Shreyas will now take his places to remember the Test team. India plays the West Indies and South Africa at home after the IND vs ENG Test, while the next year is Sri Lanka tour. While the selectors believe that their game is now in line with white ball cricket, Iyer has time on her hands to create an impression.