Shreyas Iyer's Test Call-Up Faces Delay Amidst Competition, Claims Ex-India Opener

Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut on Hold, Says Former Cricketer

Despite impressive performances across formats, Shreyas Iyer's entry into India's Test squad may not be imminent, according to former India opener Aakash Chopra.

Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo)

While Iyer shone in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and excelled in the IPL and domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes other players are ahead of him in the Test selection queue.

"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 waiting list, mentioning Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel, suggesting Iyer needs to move up the ranks before Test consideration.

Iyer's recent form is undeniable. He amassed 480 runs in seven Ranji Trophy innings at an average of 68.57, with a strike rate exceeding 90. His IPL performance was equally impressive, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches and leading Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

Chopra emphasized patience 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 his case. 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.