Shreyas Iyer Test Debut Unlikely Soon Despite Strong Form, Says Former India Player

Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut on Hold, Says Former Indian Opener

Despite Shreyas Iyer's impressive performances across all formats in recent months, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra suggests his Test debut may not be imminent.

Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo)

While Iyer excelled as India's highest scorer in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and shone 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. He highlighted the cases of Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel, suggesting Iyer needs to surpass these players in the waiting line to 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, 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, guiding Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

Chopra emphasized the need for patience regarding 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, continues to make a strong case for himself. 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.

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