Shreyas Iyer Faces Test Debut Delay Amidst Stiff Competition, Says Expert

Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut on Hold, Says Former India Opener

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has tempered expectations regarding Shreyas Iyer's inclusion in the national Test squad, despite the player's consistent performance across all formats in recent months.

While Iyer was a key player in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and demonstrated strong form in both the IPL and the domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes numerous other players are ahead of him in the Test selection pecking order.

"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 backlog of talent, mentioning players like Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel who are also vying for a spot. "If he cannot even get among those who are in the waiting line, then how can he be considered for selection?" Chopra questioned.

Iyer's recent statistics showcase his capabilities. He amassed 480 runs in just seven innings during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, maintaining an average of 68.57 and a strike rate exceeding 90. His impressive form continued into the IPL season, where he scored 604 runs in 17 matches and led Punjab Kings to their first final appearance in nine years.

Despite these achievements, Chopra emphasized that opportunities in red-ball cricket require patience. "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, another strong contender, is consistently making his case for selection. Following three fifties 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 ahead of the England series.