‘Selectors will stop overestimating Shreyas Iyer’s batting ability’: Ian Chappell’s bitter pill for India batter

Though India are set to miss the services of Virat Kohli for the remainder of the England Test series, former Australian captain Ian Chappell feels the hosts will be ‘greatly strengthened’ by the returns of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul.

Former vice-captain Rahul and senior all-rounder Jadeja were drafted back into the roster while premier batter Shreyas Iyer was shown the exit door when India announced its squad for the remaining three matches of the England series on Saturday.

Kohli extended his absence from the Indian squad as the former skipper was not available for selection for the remainder of the series due to personal reasons. Kohli had earlier opted out of the first two Tests of the England series – a decision which was respected and supported by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the lead-up to the series opener.

The 35-year-old was replaced by Rajat Patidar, who made his debut for India in the 2nd Test in Vizag. Barring Kohli, all-format batter Iyer was another notable absence from India’s squad for the England series. Talking about India’s squad selection in the build-up to the 3rd Test against England, former Australian cricketer Chappell urged the Indian selectors to avoid overestimating Iyer’s batting ability.