Former cricketer Robin Uthappa said that Shreyas Iyer should have been added to the squad as a backup batter in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England. He shared how Iyer performed well for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Iyer scored 480 runs across seven innings in the red-ball domestic tournament as well. He smashed two centuries and finished with a fantastic average of 68.57.
Uthappa said on his YouTube channel ‘Robin Uthappa’: “He [Iyer] played five matches in Ranji Trophy in this past season, averaging about 58 or 60, 450-odd runs. So, dominant force in Indian cricket. We know his leadership ability and quality. I really felt that there was space for him as a backup batter in the middle order. If there’s any injury, I’m hoping that he’s the one who gets picked. I don’t think you can keep him away from those whites for too long.”
However, Iyer hasn’t played red-ball cricket for India since sustaining a back injury during India’s five-match home series against England last year as well. He has 811 runs from 24 Tests at an average of 36.86 as well. Uthappa also backed left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh to be in India’s playing XI against England if Jasprit Bumrah is rested for any of the games.
ALSO READ: “I did get a couple of hints” – AB de Villiers on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement
“If Bumrah is not playing, I will certainly play Arshdeep Singh because I think he will be more than a handful in Test cricket with the red ball. I think he’s very underrated as a red-ball bowler, and we will see the full depth of his prowess in Test cricket. I’m happy that he’s getting to play as a filler to Bumrah because he’ll bring the same level of effectiveness as far as I’m concerned, my gut,” he added.
Robin Uthappa also stated that Vidarbha batter Yash Rathod deserved an India A call-up for the team’s upcoming England tour as well. He added that Yash should have been rewarded for his Ranji Trophy 2024-25 heroics where he was the highest run-getter with 960 runs across 18 innings at an average of 53.33, along with five centuries and three fifties.
“One kid who is not a part of the squad and I wish he was a part of the squad is Yash Rathod. He scored 960 runs in Ranji Trophy cricket, top-scored, number one scorer in India, and still not a look in, despite winning the Ranji Trophy and top-scoring for your team. I would feel very let down if I was a Yash Rathod for the fact that showing that I’m the best in the country, at this point in time, in first-class cricket and I still haven’t gotten a look in to the India A level,” he said.
Robin Uthappa also added that left-arm spinner Sai Kishore should have been named in the India A squad as well. He added that the Gujarat Titans (GT) player can become an all-format player for the national team as well.
“Another one who I think who’s got enormous potential and should be playing at the international level is Sai Kishore. An incredible left-arm spinner, I think one of the best in the country, at this point in time. Yes, Harsh Dubey has been reposed for his performances and I’m very happy for that, but you’d love to have someone like Sai Kishore to push each other a little bit. I truly believe that like Sai Sudharsan, this guy has got the potential to be an all-format bowler and I think potential needs to be backed,” Robin Uthappa concluded.
