Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns regarding Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the Indian squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 in Leeds. The exclusion has sparked debate among cricket fans and experts alike, especially considering Iyer's recent form and leadership experience.

Iyer's omission is particularly surprising given his performance in the domestic circuit and the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he amassed 480 runs in seven innings for Mumbai, averaging 68.57 with two centuries. Furthermore, he led the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the IPL 2025 final, showcasing his leadership capabilities. Iyer also scored 604 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 175 in the recent IPL season. Despite this, the selectors have opted to leave him out of the Test squad.

Harbhajan Singh, echoing the sentiments of many, has questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision. He emphasized that selection should reward recent performance rather than solely relying on reputation. Harbhajan isn't alone in his criticism. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has also expressed disappointment, stating that Iyer "deserved a spot" in the Test squad, especially considering his improved technique against short balls, a previously noted weakness. Ganguly pointed out that Iyer has been in outstanding form over the past year, handling pressure, taking responsibility, and playing the short ball effectively.

However, Gautam Gambhir, who initially sidestepped questions about Iyer's exclusion, later stated that anyone can earn a call-up if they perform well in domestic cricket. This came after his initial terse response of "I am not a selector" when questioned about Iyer's omission.

The BCCI has not officially addressed the reasons for Iyer's exclusion. However, sources suggest that concerns over his fitness, specifically recurring back issues, and doubts about his red-ball temperament might have influenced the decision. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, mentioned that while Iyer had a good one-day series and performed well domestically, there was currently no room for him in the Test team.

Amidst the controversy, Harbhajan Singh has also suggested an ideal replacement for the number 3 position in the Indian batting lineup for the England series: Sai Sudharsan. He believes Sudharsan's impressive form in the recent IPL and solid technique make him a strong candidate. "He's in top form, and his technique is sound," Harbhajan stated.

The Indian squad is undergoing a transition phase with Shubman Gill leading the team and Rishabh Pant as his deputy after the retirement of veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin. This series marks the beginning of a new era, and the team will look to establish themselves under the new leadership.

The Test series against England will be a challenging one, especially given England's home advantage. India last won a Test series in England in 2007, and they will be keen to repeat that feat.