For a player once seen as the future of India’s middle order, Shreyas Iyer now finds himself at a career crossroads. After being dropped from the Test side earlier this year following a disappointing run in the home series against England, Iyer had one job – go back, score runs, and knock hard on the selectors’ door.
To his credit, he did return to domestic cricket with purpose. He piled on runs in first-class matches and looked eager to reclaim his place in the Test team. But just when things seemed to be heading toward a redemption arc, the latest chapter in the Duleep Trophy hasn’t quite gone his way.
Duleep Trophy Semi-Final: A Missed Opportunity
In the second semi-final clash between West Zone and Central Zone, all eyes were on Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal – two batters with contrasting positions in the national setup. West Zone, led by Shardul Thakur, opted to bat first after winning the toss. But the pitch at Alur offered little charity, and it quickly turned into a test of technique and temperament.
While Ruturaj Gaikwad stood tall amidst the chaos, scoring a gritty knock, both Iyer and Jaiswal failed to deliver. Jaiswal – already a secured name in the national squad was dismissed cheaply for 4. But it was Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal for 25 off 28 balls that really stung. He had a start, looked in control briefly, but once again, he couldn’t convert it into something substantial.
Shreyas Iyer 25 ( 28 ) , Missed out in the 1st innngs of Duleep Trophy semi final lets see if he makes up #PBKS #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/CBJsVKBbvx
— Aaryan (@SquadSadda32936) September 4, 2025
The bowler responsible? Khalil Ahmed, who removed both batters and swung the momentum in Central Zone’s favour.
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Why This Matters for Iyer
Unlike Jaiswal, whose spot in the Indian team seems assured regardless of form (for now), Iyer is battling on a different pitch, one layered with expectations, previous failures, and a bench full of hungry competitors.
His recent omission from the squad for the England tour surprised many, especially after his strong domestic run. But the selectors, it seems, were waiting for one big innings in a high-stakes game and the Duleep Trophy semi-final was supposed to be it.
Instead, the failure has only complicated things further for Iyer. The comeback trail, once looking promising, is now filled with more questions than answers.
Karun Nair Waiting in the Wings
Adding another layer to Iyer’s challenge is Karun Nair, another player with a stop-start international career. Nair, who had a brief return during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, didn’t exactly seal his place either. But with Iyer failing to grab the opportunity, the door might just swing open again for Karun.
For now, Nair is eyeing the upcoming Ranji Trophy to put his hand up again. Much like Iyer, he’s banking on domestic cricket to give his career a second wind.
What’s Next for Shreyas Iyer?
All is not lost. Iyer will get another opportunity in the second innings of this Duleep Trophy match to make a statement. The question is: will he?
Cricket is, after all, a game of comebacks. And Iyer, with his natural flair and experience, has bounced back before. But in Indian cricket’s ever-competitive landscape, second chances don’t come with guarantees – they have to be earned, often under pressure, and always under the spotlight.
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