Legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly advocated for Shreyas Iyer's return to the national T20I team, asserting that overlooking him would be India’s loss, not the player.

Iyer’s last T20I appearance was in December 2023 against Australia. Since then, the right-hander has piled up consistent runs in the IPL while also proving his credentials as captain, leading KKR to the title win in 2024 and PBKS to the final last season.

Pushing his case, Ashwin highlighted that Shreyas has overcome his perceived weakness against the short-pitched deliveries and is now taking on fast bowlers quite comfortably.

Ashwin's remark came after Punjab Kings registered a commanding seven-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians on Thursday (April 16) at the Wankhede Stadium, where Iyer slammed 66 off 35 balls with 5 fours and 4 sixes.

"Why should he have to answer to anyone? By channelising that inner fire, Shreyas has shown everyone exactly what excellence looks like. People raised constant questions, claiming he couldn't handle the short ball. But look at how he responded to Jasprit Bumrah, using a front press to dispatch a short delivery over mid-wicket for a massive six,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“I was on air at the time; it was truly unbelievable. He played a similar shot against Chennai at Chepauk in his very first game. It's his way of saying: 'You want me to prove I can play the short ball? No, I won't prove anything to you.' Instead, he is showing himself how capable he can be and how hard he can chase excellence. Seeing cricketers like him inspires me because I've told myself the same thing my entire life: Don't answer to anyone; just keep moving forward,” he added.

Ashwin also emphasized that Shreyas Iyer has worked exceedingly hard to improve his strike rate from the mid-120s to over 170 in the T20 format.

"Shreyas is demonstrating his growth in two major ways. He was already the best player and hitter of spin, but he has evolved. Over the last two years, he has pushed his strike rate from around 128 to well over 170. Against fast bowlers, he's operating at a strike rate of 300. He isn't just waiting for the full ball; he's taking the attack to them. Why? Because he is handling the short ball so effectively now that bowlers realise they can no longer use it as a safety net. You cannot simply 'tuck him up' with a short ball to save yourself anymore," Ashwin stated.

Beyond just being a player, Ashwin suggested that Iyer should be part of the leadership group, citing his success in captaincy roles for different IPL teams.

"His range is exceptional, and his levers are great; he extends through the shot to send the ball a long way. Ignore Shreyas Iyer at your own peril. If he isn't in the scheme of things or part of the leadership group, the loss isn't his, it's ours," Ashwin remarked.

Shreyas Iyer has been in stellar form for Punjab Kings in the ongoing, scoring a sequence of 50, 69*, and 66 in his recent innings. He has maintained a high strike rate (187.96) and is leading PBKS in the points table.