Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut Delayed: Analyst Cites Intense Competition for Spots

Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut on Hold, Suggests Cricket Analyst

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has tempered expectations regarding Shreyas Iyer's inclusion in the Indian Test squad. Despite Iyer's impressive performances across formats in recent months, Chopra believes the batsman will have to bide his time.

While Iyer was a standout performer in India's victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and shone in both the IPL and domestic red-ball season, Chopra emphasized the competition for Test spots.

"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 presence of other contenders, saying, "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 in 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 and led Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

Despite these achievements, Chopra stressed that patience is key 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 hopeful, continues to make a 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.