Snubbed. Ignored. Written off. But instead of complaining, Shreyas Iyer let his bat do the talking.
The BCCI’s decision to leave Iyer out of its central contracts at the start of 2024 was one of the biggest shocks of the year. Why? Because this wasn’t just another player who was woefully out of form—this was India’s best No. 4 in ODIs after Yuvraj Singh, a World Cup semifinal centurion, who broke all records during the 2023 edition.
His absence from the list was a technicality. He had missed the Ranji Trophy semifinal, and the BCCI, in a show of discipline, decided to exclude him. But now, after the Champions Trophy success, it’s clear that they will have to rethink that decision.
Let’s break down why Shreyas Iyer has forced his way back into the conversation—and why the BCCI might have to hand him an A-grade contract now.
The Numbers Don’t Lie – Iyer Has Been Sensational
Since the start of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Iyer has been India’s most dependable middle-order batter.
- 1044 runs in 23 ODIs
- Average: 52.20
- Strike Rate: 103.88
- 2 Centuries, 8 Fifties
But here’s the real flex—his numbers are even better when India won during this period:
- 1002 runs in 19 innings
- Average: 62.62
Translation? If India wins, Iyer is almost always a big reason behind it.
And yet, this was the guy left out of BCCI contracts last year.
Champions Trophy 2025: India’s Ultimate Middle-Order Warrior
Iyer didn’t just show up—he bossed the Champions Trophy.
Vs Pakistan – 114-run stand with Kohli, anchoring a tricky chase in a high-pressure match.
Vs New Zealand – Walked in at 30/3, dropped a clutch 79, and turned the game around.
Vs Australia – When India were 43/2, built a rock-solid 91-run stand with Kohli.
The FINAL – When India lost three quick wickets, his 48-run knock and 61-run partnership with Axar Patel steadied the ship.
No Player of the Match awards, no viral moments—just pure, match-winning consistency.
India doesn’t win the Champions Trophy without him. Period.
ODI World Cup 2023: Iyer Was India’s Backbone
- 530 runs in 11 matches
- Average: 66.25
- Strike Rate: 113.43
- 2 centuries, 3 fifties
When India needed middle-order stability, Iyer stepped up BIG TIME. His real masterclass came in the semifinal against New Zealand, when India were looking to post a mammoth total.
Semifinal vs New Zealand – Walked in under pressure, smashed 128 off 107 balls, and formed a record-breaking partnership with Kohli.
He became India’s highest-ever run-scorer at No. 4 in a single World Cup.
And yet, just a few months later, he was left out of the BCCI central contract list.
IPL 2024: The Leadership Masterclass
And how can he forget, he led KKR to an IPL title, ending a decade-long wait.
This wasn’t just about his batting—he proved he’s a leader, a big-match player, and someone who thrives under pressure.
Put some respect on this man’s name.
The BCCI Snub: What Happens Next?
- India’s best No. 4 in ODIs.
- Big-game player in ICC tournaments.
- A proven leader with an IPL trophy.
- Consistently delivers under pressure.
It’s not a question of IF the BCCI will offer him a contract—it’s WHEN.
They left him out initially because of his domestic cricket absence, but now? There’s no justification left to ignore him.
The question now is not just about reinstating him—it’s about perhaps giving him an A-grade contract now.
