Virender Sehwag has cast doubt over the T20I selection chances of Shreyas Iyer and other in-form IPL 2026 performers, citing a lack of space in India’s already settled squad.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag said players like Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar may find it difficult to break into the national side despite impressive performances.
No Space In Packed Indian Line-Up
Sehwag stressed that every IPL season produces new contenders, but India’s current T20I team is too strong to accommodate everyone.
He questioned who could be dropped to make way, even naming players like Yashasvi Jaiswal among those competing for limited spots.
“Every season players emerge, but where is the space?” Sehwag remarked, underlining the intense competition for places.
India’s Dominant T20I Era Continues
India’s T20I side, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has been in dominant form, winning back-to-back T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026 and remaining unbeaten in series during this period.
This consistency has made it even harder for new entrants to break into the playing XI.
Padikkal’s Form Raises Selection Debate
Padikkal, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been one of the standout performers in IPL 2026. He has scored 208 runs in six innings at a strike rate above 184, including three half-centuries.
Despite his strong numbers, Sehwag believes performance alone may not guarantee selection given the depth in India’s squad.
Selection Dilemma For Indian Team
While players like Iyer and Padikkal continue to impress, Sehwag’s remarks highlight a bigger issue — India’s depth in T20 cricket.
With multiple players delivering consistently, the challenge for selectors is no longer finding talent, but deciding who to leave out.
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