Former Indian spinner turned commentator Harbhajan Singh believes it’s not the end for Shreyas Iyer in Tests despite his exclusion from the squad for the upcoming series against England. Team India will take on England in a five-match Test series away from home, starting on June 20.

With the recent Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India have a relatively inexperienced batting unit for the England series as well. Yet, despite performing brilliantly over the past year, Iyer couldn’t find a place in the 18-member squad as well.

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Talking about Iyer’s exclusion on the sidelines of the Vidarbha Cricket League launch in Nagpur, Harbhajan said (via IANS): “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 also urged the young Indian side to believe in themselves in the upcoming Test series in England, citing their famous series win over Australia in 2020/21 as well.

“The team needs to believe in themselves — believe that they can win. This team has the ability,” Harbhajan said. “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,” Harbhajan Singh concluded.