Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut Delayed: Cricket Expert Cites Intense Competition OR Shreyas Iyer Faces Test Snub Despite Strong Form: Expert Points to Waiting List OR Test Call-Up on Hold for Shreyas Iyer: Pundit Highlights Competition for Spots

Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut on Hold, Says Cricket Pundit

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has tempered expectations regarding Shreyas Iyer's immediate inclusion in the national Test squad, despite the player's impressive form across formats in recent months.

Shreyas Iyer's recent performances have sparked debate about his Test prospects.

While Iyer was a standout performer in India's triumphant ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and shone in both the IPL and domestic red-ball season, Chopra suggests that he faces stiff competition for a Test spot.

"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 backlog of players awaiting their opportunity, including Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel. "If he cannot even get among those who are in the waiting line, then how can he be considered for selection?" Chopra questioned.

Video: A glimpse of Jasprit Bumrah's intense training session.

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. He further solidified his credentials with a career-best IPL season, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches.

Despite these achievements, Chopra stressed the importance of patience when it comes 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 for a Test berth, continues to make a strong case for selection. Following three fifties 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.