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 his impressive performances across formats in recent months.

Shreyas Iyer's recent form has sparked discussions about his potential Test debut.

While Iyer was India's leading run-scorer in their triumphant ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and enjoyed a successful run in both the IPL and domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes that several 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 been remarkable. 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. This was followed by a career-best IPL season where he scored 604 runs in 17 matches, leading Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

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, continues to make a case for his inclusion. After scoring three fifties and a 150 in six Tests, he further solidified his claim with a score of 92 for India A against England Lions, followed by a century in the intra-squad match preceding the England series.