Iyer's Test Debut Delayed: Former Cricketer Urges Patience Despite Stellar Form

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

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

While Iyer shone as India's leading scorer in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and displayed strong form in both the IPL and the domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes that the competition for Test selection remains fierce.

"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 during 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 stressed the importance of patience 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, another contender for a Test spot, continues to make a strong case for himself. 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.