The debate over Shreyas Iyer’s absence from India’s T20 setup has intensified during Indian Premier League 2026, with former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar calling the treatment of the batter “unfair.”
Speaking amid Iyer’s strong performances in the ongoing IPL season, Manjrekar said that if the batter feels frustrated or overlooked, those emotions are justified given his current form. His remarks have added weight to growing calls for Iyer’s return to the national side.
Iyer has been in impressive touch in IPL 2026, delivering consistent performances with the bat and leading his franchise effectively. His ability to stabilize innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate has stood out in a tournament dominated by aggressive batting.
Despite this, Iyer has not been part of India’s recent T20 plans, having last featured in the format in 2023. Injuries and changing team combinations have played a role, but his continued exclusion has raised questions, especially as he continues to perform at a high level in domestic franchise cricket.
Manjrekar pointed out that performances in a tournament as competitive as the IPL should carry significant weight in selection discussions. He suggested that ignoring a player in such form sends a mixed signal about the importance of domestic T20 performances.
The situation also reflects the intense competition for places in India’s middle order, where multiple players are vying for limited spots. However, Iyer’s current run has ensured that his name remains central to selection debates.
As IPL 2026 progresses, the spotlight on Iyer is only expected to grow, with every innings strengthening his case for a comeback. For now, the discussion around his exclusion continues to divide opinion, putting the selectors under increasing scrutiny.
