The buzz around Indian cricket has once again shifted toward Shreyas Iyer’s test return, with strong indications that he could be in contention for the upcoming India test squad for West Indies. After a long absence from the longest format, the Mumbai batter has reignited debates about selection, balance in the middle order, and who may eventually lose their spot if Shreyas Iyer in test whites becomes a reality again.

Rumours of Iyer’s Comeback

Fans and experts alike are closely watching his performances with India A, seeing this as the clearest signal yet that a recall is on the horizon. With selectors exploring the best mix of youth and experience, Iyer’s name has naturally emerged as one of the most significant talking points ahead of the Caribbean tour.

Why The Talk Around Iyer’s Return?

The speculation surrounding Shreyas Iyer’s test return has gained traction following his appointment as India A captain for the upcoming red-ball series against Australia A in Lucknow. This move by selectors is widely being viewed as a signal that the right-hander is back in the national scheme of things, particularly for the India test squad for West Indies later this year. His last appearance in India’s Test side came during the 2024 home series against England, after which he endured a four-series snub.

Related Article：Not Gambhir?! Another Twist in Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup Exclusion Reasons

Since then, Iyer has responded strongly in domestic cricket. His 480 runs in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, including two centuries and a maiden double century, underlined his readiness for red-ball cricket. While he struggled in the Duleep Trophy, his consistency in Ranji and leadership for India A show the selectors’ renewed faith.

🚨 SHREYAS IYER IS BACK 🚨

Shreyas Iyer in the scheme of things for the home Test series against the West Indies – India A captaincy has come along the lines of that. [RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/cIQA4PsCpD

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 7, 2025

Furthermore, Shreyas Iyer in test conversations is now louder because of his white-ball exploits, a stellar Champions Trophy campaign where he was India’s top scorer and an IPL season with over 600 runs at a blistering strike rate. These performances have proven his form and temperament, making his comeback seem more like a matter of when rather than if.

When’s Shreyas Iyer’s Last Test?

To put the chatter around Shreyas Iyer’s test return in perspective, it’s worth revisiting his last stint in India’s red-ball setup. The 30-year-old last featured in a Test match during the home series against England in 2024, playing at his familiar No. 5 slot. While he managed a few gritty starts, he couldn’t convert them into big scores, which led to him being overlooked for the subsequent tours of South Africa, Bangladesh, England (away), and New Zealand. That absence stretched to four successive series, sparking doubts about his long-format career.

However, Iyer’s early Test record remains encouraging. Since making his debut in 2021, he has played 12 matches, scoring over 800 runs at an average of the mid-40s. This includes a memorable century on debut against New Zealand in Kanpur and several counter-attacking fifties that showcased his ability to absorb pressure and then put bowlers on the back foot. His strength against spin made him a natural choice at home, while his compact back-foot game was viewed as a potential asset overseas.

Shreyas Iyer has been dropped from the Indian Test team. [Sports Tak] pic.twitter.com/1Vtzyf89kt

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 10, 2024

In the past year, his form in first-class cricket has reinforced why selectors are once again considering him. His double century in the Ranji Trophy was particularly eye-catching, displaying both patience and flair. With the India test squad for West Indies expected to need middle-order solidity, Shreyas Iyer in test discussions are not surprising. His proven track record and leadership for India A make him a frontrunner for a recall, and if he does return, it will be with unfinished business in the longest format.

Who Might Lose Out If Iyer Returns?

If Shreyas Iyer’s test return materialises, it raises a key question: who makes way in the India test squad for West Indies? India’s middle order has seen regular faces like Sarfaraz Khan, Shreyas’s own competitor for the No. 5 spot, as well as Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan in recent squads.

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s father said, “Gautam Gambhir told Abhimanyu, ‘you’re doing the right things. You’ll get your turn and a long run. I’m not the one to push you out after 1-2 matches’. The entire coaching team assured him he’ll get his due”. (Vickey Lalwani YT). pic.twitter.com/K321oJCgQa

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 8, 2025

With Abhimanyu Eswaran also drifting back into red-ball contention, the selectors face a puzzle. Given his seniority and proven match-winning ability, Shreyas Iyer in test colours would likely edge out someone with relatively less experience or inconsistent returns.

A moment Sarfaraz Khan will remember forever! ☺️

He is jubilant, Rishabh Pant applauds & the dressing room on its feet! 👏 👏

Live ▶️ https://t.co/8qhNBrrtDF#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/pwt12jHfND

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2024

Sarfaraz Khan played at No. 5 and scored runs, but wasn’t able to cement his place in the squad for the England tour. Karun Nair, meanwhile, got off to several starts in that series and eventually notched a fifty in the last Test match, having batted both at No. 3 and No. 5.

Test Cap number 3⃣1⃣7⃣

Congratulations to Sai Sudharsan, who is all set to make his Test Debut 🙌

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/CuzAEnBkyu#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/wn8kaXdln6

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 20, 2025

Sai Sudharsan, though immensely talented, is still establishing himself and might be the easiest to sideline if the management believes Iyer’s experience is crucial for the Caribbean tour. With the West Indies’ bowling attack relying heavily on pace and bounce, selectors could view Iyer’s back-foot game as a stronger asset, making his inclusion in the India test squad for West Indies almost inevitable.

At the same time, players like Ajinkya Rahane, who have often been recalled for leadership stability, could also feel the heat. India’s batting depth ensures that someone will miss out, but given the balance of experience and form, Sarfaraz and Nair appear most vulnerable. Whether the selectors stick with their youth-first approach or reinstate experience through Shreyas Iyer’s test return will set the tone for India’s red-ball journey in the next cycle.