Shreyas Iyer’s impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha has reignited hopes of a strong comeback for the talented batter. Despite recent setbacks, including his omission from the BCCI’s central contracts list and a disappointing Ranji Trophy campaign for Mumbai, Iyer showcased his resilience and determination on Tuesday.
With Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma in attendance, Iyer played a crucial role in Mumbai’s innings, scoring a gritty 95 off 111 balls. His celebration, which went viral on social media, reflected his relief and satisfaction at finding form at a critical juncture.
Iyer’s performance has prompted Indian cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid to address the issue of his and Ishan Kishan’s absence from the central contracts. Dravid emphasized that both players remain in contention for selection, stating, “They are always in the mix. Everyone who is playing cricket and domestic cricket is in the mix.”
Dravid clarified that the decision-making process for central contracts lies with the BCCI and selectors, not the coaching staff. He added, “I don’t even know what the criteria is. People ask my opinion on the 15, me and Rohit pick the XI. We never discuss whether a player has a contract or not, whether he is going to be picked.”
Dravid’s comments suggest that Iyer and Kishan’s omission from the central contracts does not necessarily reflect their current form or potential. He urged them to regain fitness, perform consistently, and force the selectors to reconsider their decisions.
Iyer’s performance in the Ranji Trophy final is a testament to his ability to bounce back from adversity. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaching, he will have another opportunity to showcase his skills and prove his worth to the national selectors.
