Published: Jun 28, 2025, 04:25 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 28, 2025, 04:25 PM (IST)
Former India player and cricket expert Aakash Chopra has dismissed the chances of Shreyas Iyer making a return to India’s Test side in the near future. While Iyer has cemented his position in the ODI format even finishing as the top run-getter for India during their Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, Chopra believes he’s still not in contention for red-ball cricket.
Despite Iyer having a solid domestic season and a strong IPL 2025, Chopra pointed out that players like Sarfaraz Khan are ahead of him and will be given more priority than Iyer.
“There aren’t many issues with the Indian batting, as it is. Besides, Shreyas Iyer won’t get a chance now. Many others haven’t gotten a chance either,” Chopra stated, speaking on his YouTube channel.
“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?” Chopra said.
Chopra further said that Shreyas needs to be patient and wait for his turn in Test cricket.
“I know he had a good first-class season. He had a good IPL, taking Punjab Kings to the final. He did well in white-ball cricket, but his time will come in Tests. He will have to wait just a little bit,” Chopra added.
Shreyas had an outstanding cricket season leading up to India’s tour of England. In the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy, he scored 480 runs in just seven innings, averaging 68.57 with a remarkable strike rate of over 90. In IPL 2025, Shreyas raised the bar even higher, living up to his ₹26.75 crore price tag and guiding Punjab Kings to the final. It turned out to be his best IPL season with the bat, as he amassed 604 runs across 17 matches.
However, despite making the most of the limited chances he’s received, Sarfaraz Khan is yet to secure a place in the Test squad. In just six Tests, he has already notched up three half-centuries, including a top score of 150.
Sarfaraz has also made a strong impression while playing for India A in England. He scored a solid 92 against the England Lions in the opening practice match, followed by a century in Team India’s intra-squad game a match that featured pace ace Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling lineup.
