Iyer's Test Debut Unlikely Soon, Says Expert, Despite Strong Form

Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut on Hold, Suggests Cricket Pundit

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has tempered expectations regarding Shreyas Iyer's inclusion in the Indian Test squad. Despite the 30-year-old's impressive performances across all formats in recent months, Chopra believes the competition for a Test spot remains fierce.

Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo)

While Iyer was a standout performer in India's victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and enjoyed a successful IPL and domestic red-ball season, Chopra emphasized the existing pool of talented players vying for selection.

"Shreyas Iyer won’t get a chance now. Many others haven’t gotten a chance either," Chopra stated on his YouTube channel. He highlighted the prolonged wait for players like Karun Nair and the unfulfilled opportunities for Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, questioning how Iyer could be considered ahead of them.

Iyer's recent form has been undeniable. He amassed 480 runs in just seven innings during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, boasting an average of 68.57 and a strike rate exceeding 90. This was followed by a remarkable IPL season where he scored 604 runs in 17 matches, leading Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

Chopra maintains that patience is key for red-ball opportunities. "I know he had a good first-class season. He had a good IPL, took Punjab Kings to the final, did well in white-ball cricket — but his time will come in Tests. He will have to wait just a little bit."

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan continues to make a strong case for selection. Following three half-centuries and a score of 150 in six Tests, he scored 92 for India A against England Lions and followed it up with a century in the intra-squad match before the England series.