Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut Delayed: Ex-India Opener Cites Selection Logjam

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra suggests that despite Shreyas Iyer's recent strong performances across all formats, his entry into the Indian Test squad isn't imminent.

Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo)

While Iyer shone as India's highest scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and displayed impressive form in both the IPL and domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes that 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 pointed out the backlog of players awaiting their opportunity: "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. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he amassed 480 runs in just seven innings, boasting an average of 68.57 and a strike rate exceeding 90. This was followed by a career-best IPL season where he scored 604 runs in 17 matches, leading Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

Chopra emphasized that patience is key to earning 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, continues to make a strong case for selection. After scoring three fifties and a century in six Tests, he further solidified his position with a score of 92 for India A against England Lions, followed by a century in the intra-squad match preceding the England series.