Despite being one of the top performers, Shreyas Iyer was not considered for the England Test series. He has been dealing in runs in white-ball cricket and Ranji Trophy matches. The national selectors snubbed him, with Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, and Abhimanyu Easwaran getting preference. Former India players questioned his absence and felt the 30-year-old deserved a place in the traveling squad.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was asked about the batter’s chances in the Test team after the recent snub.

“Anyone can be called up if they are in form. The chairman of selectors has already spoken about it,” Gautam Gambhir said.

Karun has returned to the Test side after seven years. Gambhir said his comeback is good news for domestic cricket.

“His comeback is great news for domestic cricket. If you keep performing, the doors are not shut on you. We will not judge players by two games. They will get a long run. Hopefully, Karun Nair will perform against England,” he added.

The 33-year-old is likely to replace Virat Kohli in the playing XI. The veteran announced retirement from Test cricket in May, and the returning player will take his No. 4 spot.