Iyer's Test Debut Unlikely Soon Despite Stellar Form, Says Chopra

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

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has tempered expectations regarding Shreyas Iyer's inclusion in the Indian Test squad, despite the player's impressive performances across formats in recent months.

While Iyer was India's leading run-scorer in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and enjoyed a successful run in both the IPL and domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes several 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. "If you think about it, Karun Nair has only just gotten his chance. Sarfaraz Khan hasn’t been given a shot. Dhruv Jurel is waiting on the sidelines. If he cannot even get among those who are in the waiting line, then how can he be considered for selection?"

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

Despite these achievements, Chopra emphasized the need for patience in securing 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, another contender for a Test spot, continues to make a strong case for selection. After scoring three fifties and a 150 in six Tests, he followed it up with 92 for India A against England Lions and a century in the intra-squad match before the England series.