“One missed tour doesn’t mean his career is over” - Harbhajan Singh backs Shreyas Iyer to make a Test comeback

Former Indian spinner and commentator Harbhajan Singh has backed the ousted Indian batter Shreyas Iyer for the England tour, scheduled to start on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, in the new World Test Championship Cycle.

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Notably, Iyer, who had an exceptional ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and IPL 2025 season, wasn’t included in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming England tour, which raised the eyebrows of many.

Speaking on the same, Harbhajan stated that if he were a part of the selection committee, he would have considered him in the Test squad. However, Bhajji felt Iyer has the capability of becoming the ODI captain in the future.

"Shreyas Iyer is a very fine player. He’s proven himself in ODIs, performed in the World Cup, Champions Trophy, and IPL. So yes, he should’ve been in the squad. But maybe the selectors don’t see him as a red-ball player right now. If I were part of the selection committee, I would have considered him. But this is not the end, his journey is long, and he might even be a future ODI captain. One missed tour doesn't mean his career is over,” Harbhajan Singh said at the Vidarbha T20 League launch event.

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Furthermore, the former spinner felt the Indian team needs to believe in themselves in the absence of veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravi Ashwin. Notably, Shubman Gill has been tasked to lead the Test side with Rishabh Pant selected as his deputy.

"The team needs to believe in themselves — believe that they can win. This team has the ability. These are the same youngsters, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, who broke Australia’s fortress at the Gabba. Now it’s their turn to make history again. The opportunity is massive, and they should grab it with both hands," he added.

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