Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut Delayed: Former Opener Suggests Wait for Opportunity

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

Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo)

While Iyer was a standout performer in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and displayed excellent form in both the IPL and 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 been remarkable. He amassed 480 runs in just seven innings during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, maintaining an average of 68.57 and a strike rate exceeding 90. He then carried this momentum into the IPL, where he scored 604 runs in 17 matches, leading Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

Despite these achievements, 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. Following three half-centuries and a score of 150 in six Tests, he scored 92 for India A against England Lions, followed by a century in the intra-squad match ahead of the England series.