Shreyas Iyer Test Debut Unlikely Soon Despite Strong Form, Says Analyst

Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut on Hold, According to Cricket Analyst

Former India opener Aakash Chopra suggests that Shreyas Iyer may have to wait longer for a Test call-up, despite his impressive performances across all formats in recent months.

Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo)

While Iyer was a key player in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and had a successful run in both the IPL and the domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes that several other players are ahead of him in the pecking order for Test selection.

"Shreyas Iyer won’t get a chance now. Many others haven’t gotten a chance either," Chopra stated on his YouTube channel. He highlighted the cases of Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel, suggesting that Iyer needs to establish himself among those already in contention before being considered for Test selection.

Iyer's recent form has been exceptional. He scored 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 amassed 604 runs in 17 matches, leading Punjab Kings to their first final appearance in nine years.

Despite these achievements, Chopra emphasized 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, has continued to showcase his talent. Following three fifties and a 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.