Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut Delayed: Former India Opener Suggests Wait Continues

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra suggests that Shreyas Iyer's entry into the Indian Test squad may not be imminent, despite his impressive performances across various formats in recent months.

Iyer, pictured here, will need to remain patient for a Test call-up.

While Iyer emerged as India's highest run-scorer in their successful ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and displayed remarkable form in both the IPL and domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes that he faces stiff competition for a Test spot.

Chopra stated on his YouTube channel, "Shreyas Iyer won’t get a chance now. Many others haven’t gotten a chance either. 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 exceptional. He amassed 480 runs in just seven innings in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, maintaining an average of 68.57 and a strike rate exceeding 90. Furthermore, he enjoyed a career-best IPL season, accumulating 604 runs in 17 matches and guiding Punjab Kings to their first final appearance in nine years.

Despite these achievements, Chopra emphasized the importance of 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 strong contender, continues to make a compelling 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.