Shreyas Iyer's Test Call-Up on Hold? Experts Weigh In on India's Batting Options

Iyer's Test Debut Delayed? Former Cricketer Weighs In

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

While Iyer was a standout performer in India's victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and enjoyed a successful IPL and domestic red-ball season, 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 surpass these players in the waiting line before being considered for Test selection.

Iyer's recent performances have been noteworthy. He amassed 480 runs in just seven innings during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, boasting an average of 68.57 and a strike rate exceeding 90. He continued his strong run with a career-best IPL season, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches and leading Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

Despite these impressive displays, Chopra emphasized the need for patience regarding Test 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, has been consistently delivering solid performances. Following three half-centuries and a score of 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.