Shreyas Iyer's Test Debut Unlikely in Near Future, Says Analyst

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

Despite Shreyas Iyer's impressive performances across all formats of the game recently, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra suggests his Test debut may not be imminent.

Iyer's wait for a Test debut may be prolonged, according to Aakash Chopra.

While Iyer shone as India's highest run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and enjoyed a successful run in both the IPL and the domestic red-ball season, Chopra believes 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 highlighted the cases of Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel, suggesting that Iyer needs to move up the waiting list before being considered for Test selection.

Iyer's recent form has been remarkable. He amassed 480 runs in just 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, leading Punjab Kings to their first final in nine years.

Chopra emphasized the importance of 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 strong contender, continues to make a case for himself. 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.