Shreyas Iyer had a strong domestic season and led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final. But his return to India's Test squad remains on hold.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the selection debate. He said that Iyer simply doesn't fit into the current Test setup - especially with other players ahead of him in the pecking order.
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Iyer's omission from the squad for the England Test series had sparked criticism online - with many pointing fingers at head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. But Chopra believes there is no conspiracy but just a crowded middle-order.
Aakash Chopra on Shreyas Iyer's denied India Test spot
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said Iyer had no realistic chance of being picked for the England Tests.
"There is no problem with the batting as such. But he has to wait for his chances; he won't get a chance straightaway right now. He would've never made it to the squad for the England tour. The remaining ones also haven't had their chance," Chopra said.
He pointed out that players like Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair and Dhruv Jurel have been in the system longer and are still waiting for consistent opportunities.
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"If the players who are already there aren't getting chances, then how can Shreyas Iyer get a look in?" he questioned.
Iyer's form has not gone unnoticed. He scored runs in first-class cricket and performed well in the IPL. But according to Chopra, a Test recall will take time.
"I know he had a good first-class season. He had a good IPL, took Punjab Kings to the final. He did well in white-ball cricket, but his time will come,” Chopra said.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar also had similar thoughts during the squad announcement, saying: "Yes, Shreyas Iyer has played well in domestic cricket, but at the moment, there is no room for him on the Test team."