Shreyas Iyer's Test Dream Deferred: Former Cricketer Suggests Wait Continues

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

Despite impressive performances across formats, Shreyas Iyer may have to wait longer for a Test call-up, according to former India opener Aakash Chopra.

Iyer's Test debut is not yet certain.

While Iyer shone in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and had a remarkable IPL and domestic 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 move up the waiting list before being considered.

Iyer's recent form has been exceptional. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he amassed 480 runs in seven innings at an average of 68.57 and a strike rate exceeding 90. He continued his purple patch in the IPL, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches and leading Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

Despite these achievements, Chopra emphasized the importance of 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 his case. After scoring 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.