R Ashwin questioned the correlation between IPL performances and Test selection, while praising Shreyas Iyer’s impact in recent tournaments.
Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has challenged the notion that IPL success should influence Test squad selection, asserting that stellar T20 performances hold little relevance to red-ball credentials. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin emphasized the need for format-specific evaluation, particularly amid discussions around Shreyas Iyer’s Test future.
“How can a good IPL lead to a Test call-up? How do IPL performances improve your Test credentials? If you excel in ODIs, suddenly there’s talk about Test inclusion. Conversely, if someone shines in Tests, debates about their T20I return begin. Isn’t this flawed logic?” Ashwin argued. He stressed that IPL form should only bolster T20I prospects, not serve as a gateway to Test cricket.
Ashwin Hails Shreyas Iyer’s Tournament Dominance
Despite his skepticism about cross-format selections, Ashwin lauded Shreyas Iyer’s consistency in high-pressure tournaments. He highlighted Iyer’s role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) IPL 2024 title triumph, calling him a “fabulous player” and crediting his clutch performances. “I won’t be surprised if he dominates IPL 2025 too. His Champions Trophy 2025 displays were pivotal—he’s India’s silent hero in crunch moments,” Ashwin remarked.
Iyer, now set to lead Punjab Kings (PBKS) after a record ₹26.75 crore auction deal, faces a critical season. Released by KKR last year, he aims to reignite his T20I career through PBKS, having been overlooked for India’s current squad. Ashwin’s endorsement underscores Iyer’s potential to leverage IPL success for an international comeback, albeit in the shortest format.
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Ashwin’s critique reflects broader concerns over blurred selection criteria across formats. While Iyer’s Test exclusion persists despite his white-ball exploits, the spinner’s comments spotlight the need for clearer pathways. With IPL 2025 looming, Iyer’s campaign could test Ashwin’s theory: can T20 fireworks truly revive a red-ball career, or should the formats remain distinct? For now, Ashwin’s message is clear—let the IPL be a T20 springboard, not a Test lifeline.
