From Shreyas Iyer to Axar Patel: 6 players who deserved to be in the Indian squad for England Test series
Shreyas Iyer once looked like India's answer to their middle-order troubles after Rahane and Pujara were dropped. He even scored a century on debut. But after a poor South Africa tour, he was dropped mid-series against England and hasn't played a Test since, despite doing well in white-ball and Ranji. Had he stayed in the mix, he might've been a captaincy option too.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
On Shreyas Iyer' Test Omission, Gautam Gambhir Makes Fresh Claim: "Always About..."
India have announced an 18-member squad for the five-match Test series against England, starting from June 20. A few high-profile names missed out on the squad, with batter Shreyas Iyer arguably being the most notable one. Shreyas has been in a rich vein of form, performing exceedingly well in both ODI and T20 cricket of late. Speaking on his omission, Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir had initially stated that he wasn't the selector. However, now Gambhir has said that the doors are open for good performers. "Anyone can be called if they are in good form. We can only pick 18. But I believe it's always about being open to people who are in good form and can deliver," Gambhir told reporters in Mumbai on Thursday. Earlier, when asked about Shreyas not being picked, Gambhir had responded saying "I'm not the selector". On the other hand, here's what BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar had said on Shreyas Iyer at the squad announcement: "Yes, Shreyas Iyer has played well in domestic cricket, but at the moment, there is no room for him in the Test Team." Shreyas Iyer has enjoyed a superb 2025 so far. The 30-year-old was India's top run-scorer as the nation won the Champions Trophy 2025. Following that, Iyer lived up to the expectations of a Rs 26.75 crore Indian Premier League (IPL) contract, taking Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the IPL 2025 final. Shreyas was also the franchise's top run-scorer, smashing 604 runs in 17 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 175. Cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson will now have a special place in the India-England Test rivalry, as the two boards, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) have decided to name the Test series between the two countries the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as per ESPNcricinfo. The new trophy will be officially unveiled by Tendulkar and Anderson at Lord's during the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which begins on June 11. This change comes just ahead of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with India and England set to play a five-match Test series starting June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. Previously, the Test series in England was known as the Pataudi Trophy, named after former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. When the series was played in India, it was called the Anthony de Mello Trophy, in honour of one of the BCCI's founding members and its first secretary and president.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Preity Zinta's Emotional Post For Punjab Kings' IPL 2025 Defeat: "To Our Sher Sqaud"
New Delhi: Preity Zinta has shared a long note for Punjab Kings fans on Instagram. The actress, who is a co-owner of the Punjab-based franchise, said 'loved the fight & the grit of our young team.' Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, faced Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 finals. PBKS lost the match by 6 runs. Giving a shout out to the team, Preity Zinta said, "It didn't end the way we wanted it to but… the journey was spectacular! It was exciting, entertaining & it was inspiring. I loved the fight & the grit our young team, our shers showed throughout the tournament.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Preity G Zinta (@realpz) She continued, 'I loved the way our captain, our Sarpanch lead from the front & how Indian uncapped players dominated this IPL.' "This year was unique. We smashed records even though we lost key players to injury & national duty, witnessed a pause in the tournament, transferred home games to other states & evacuated a stadium! We adapted & topped the points table after a decade & fought till the end in an exciting final," Preity Zinta added. The Shers may not have taken the trophy home, but in Preity's eyes—and those of their die-hard supporters—they've already won hearts. "I am so proud of each and every player of Punjab Kings for showing so much character throughout the tournament. A big thank you to each of them and to our support staff and everyone at PBKS for an incredible season," she added. She didn't forget the roaring fanbase—the Sher Squad. "Most of all a HEARTFELT THANK YOU to our - SHER SQUAD - our FANS that stood with us through thick and thin. Whatever we are & how far we have reached is all because of you, I promise we will come back to finish the job because as of now the job is still half done. See you next year in the stadium, till then take care and stay safe everyone. Love you all," the actres concluded. Within minutes, the post was flooded with love. Fans took to the comments to cheer and celebrate her and the team. 'PBKS gave it their all. We're with you till the end!' wrote one user. Someone else said, 'Tears in my eyes reading this. What a ride! Can't wait for 2026.' The 2025 edition of IPL concluded on June 3, 2025.
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
"It Didn't End...": Preity Zinta Pours IPL 2025 Final Heartbreak In Emotional Post For PBKS
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed Punjab Kings finished as runners-up in IPL 2025, losing to RCB by 6 runs in the final. The team had a strong season, winning 9 of 14 matches and topping the league with 19 points. Shreyas Iyer's leadership was praised as PBKS overcame challenges, including player injuries. Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta has reacted to the team's performance in Indian Premier League 2025. The side, which entered its second final in IPL history, lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 6 runs in the summit clash at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on June 3. It was a stunning season for PBKS as the team won nine of its 14 league matches, lost only four while one ended in a no-result. The Shreyas Iyer -led side finished at the top spot in the table at the end of the league stage with 19 points to its credit. In Qualifier 1, PBKS suffered an 8-wicket defeat to RCB before they beat Mumbai Indians by 5 wickets in Qualifier 2. The side, however, failed in the final by a narrow margin and lost the second chance to claim its maiden title. "It didn't end the way we wanted it to journey was spectacular ! It was exciting, entertaining & it was inspiring. I loved the fight & the grit our young team, our shers showed throughout the tournament. I loved the way our captain, our Sarpanch lead from the front & how Indian uncapped players dominated this IPL ! "This year was unique. We smashed records even though we lost key and players to injury & national duty, witnessed a pause in the tournament, transferred home games to other states & evacuated a stadium ! We adapted & topped the points table after a decade & fought till the end in an exciting final. "I am so proud of each n every player of @PunjabKingsIPL for showing so much character throughout the tournament. A big thank you to each of them and to our support staff and everyone at PBKS for an incredible season. Most of all a HEARTFELT THANK YOU to our - SHER SQUAD - our FANS that stood with us through thick n thin. Whatever we are & how far we have reached is all because of you. I promise we will come back to finish the job cuz as of now the job is still half done. See you next year in the stadium , till then take care n stay safe everyone. Love you all. Ting! Sher Squad | Sadda Punjab," Preity, the co-owner of PBKS wrote on X. It didn't end the way we wanted it to journey was spectacular ! It was exciting, entertaining & it was inspiring. I loved the fight & the grit our young team, our shers showed throughout the tournament. I loved the way our captain, our Sarpanch lead from the front &... — Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) June 6, 2025 While PBKS missed the chance to win their first-ever title, RCB too won the IPL trophy for the first time in 18 seasons.
