Iyer's Test Debut Unlikely Soon Despite Stellar Form, Says Ex-India Player

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

Despite Shreyas Iyer's impressive performances across all formats recently, former India opener Aakash Chopra suggests his Test debut might not be imminent.

Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo)

Iyer was a standout performer in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and had a remarkable run in both the IPL and the domestic red-ball season. However, Chopra believes 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. He highlighted the cases of Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel, suggesting that Iyer needs to move up the waiting list before being considered for Test selection.

Iyer's recent form has been exceptional. 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. His stellar performance continued in the IPL, where he scored 604 runs in 17 matches and led Punjab Kings to their first final 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 strong contender, continues to make his case. 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 leading up to the England series.