Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut Delayed: Former Cricketer Urges Patience

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

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has tempered expectations regarding Shreyas Iyer's immediate inclusion in the Test squad. Despite Iyer's impressive form across formats in recent months, Chopra suggests that the 30-year-old will need to be patient.

Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo)

While Iyer shone as India's leading run-scorer in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph and delivered strong performances in both the IPL and the domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes 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. "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 indeed 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 stellar IPL season where he scored 604 runs in 17 matches, leading Punjab Kings to their first final appearance in nine years.

Chopra reiterated that opportunities in red-ball cricket demand 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 for a Test spot, continues to make his case. Following three half-centuries and a score of 150 in six Test matches, he scored 92 for India A against England Lions and then followed it up with a century in the intra-squad match before the England series.