India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, didn’t hold back when questioned about Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the Test squad for the England tour. In a blunt response during the Goswami Ganesh Dutt Memorial Cricket Tournament, Gambhir remarked, “Main selector nahin hoon” (I’m not the selector), effectively distancing himself from the decision-making process regarding team selection.
This straightforward reply sparked reactions, especially given Gambhir’s prior involvement in selection discussions during his IPL stint. He made history as the first Indian coach to attend a selection meeting, yet he now insists he’s not responsible for who makes the Test side. The reporter’s pointed question about Iyer’s exclusion seemed to underline the public’s curiosity, considering Iyer’s recent form and his working relationship with Gambhir during IPL 2024.
Reporter:- “Why was Shreyas Iyer not selected for the England tour?”
Gautam Gambhir:- “I am not the selector”
For your information, Gambhir was the first coach in Indian cricket history who sat in the selection meeting,And now he is saying that I am not the selector pic.twitter.com/V74yfW7jGk
— A// (@AdityaGurjar76) May 28, 2025
Iyer last played Test cricket in February 2024, featuring in the first two matches against England before being sidelined. Since then, he has found success on the domestic circuit, scoring 480 runs at an average of 68.57 in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. Despite his efforts, the selectors opted not to include him in the five-match Test series starting June 20.
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Interestingly, Iyer and Gambhir were part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign in IPL 2024, with Iyer leading the team on the field and Gambhir serving as mentor. However, the pair parted ways post-season—KKR didn’t retain Iyer, and Gambhir took over India’s coaching duties from Rahul Dravid.
Currently, Iyer is captaining Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, guiding them to their first playoff appearance in over a decade. PBKS will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 on May 29 in Mullanpur.
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Meanwhile, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Tests, Shubman Gill will lead India. The squad includes a blend of youth and experience, with names like Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Arshdeep Singh, Karun Nair, and Shardul Thakur all making the cut.
