Shreyas Iyer Faces Test Snub Despite Stellar Form, Claims Expert

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

Despite Shreyas Iyer's impressive form across all formats recently, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra suggests that a Test call-up might not be imminent for the 30-year-old.

Shreyas Iyer (AP Photo)

While Iyer shone as India's highest run-scorer in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and enjoyed a successful IPL season alongside a strong domestic red-ball performance, Chopra believes that several other players are ahead of him in the Test selection pecking order.

Chopra stated on his YouTube channel, "Shreyas Iyer won’t get a chance now. Many others haven’t gotten a chance either. 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 performances have indeed been remarkable. He amassed 480 runs in only seven innings during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, 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, guiding Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

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 strong contender, continues to make his case. Following three half-centuries 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.