Former India batter Aakash Chopra has shared his views on why Shreyas Iyer was not included in the Test squad for the England series. Despite a solid domestic season and leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, Iyer was overlooked for the five-match Test series.
When the squad was announced, many fans questioned the exclusion of Iyer. He had impressed in white-ball formats and made a comeback to India’s central contracts list. However, Chopra believes the competition for middle-order spots in the red-ball format is intense, and Iyer needs to wait for his opportunity.
Iyer overlooked despite strong domestic form
Iyer last played a Test against England in 2024 but was dropped midway through the series. The BCCI later left him out of the central contracts after he did not participate in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai.
Chopra said that players like Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Karun Nair are already waiting for a proper run, so it is understandable that Iyer wasn’t picked.
“There is no problem with the batting as such. But he has to wait for his chances. He would’ve never made it to the squad for the England tour. If players like Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel are still waiting, then how can Shreyas Iyer get a look in?” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra urges patience for Iyer’s Test comeback
Chopra also acknowledged that Iyer has had a good season, but insisted that returning to the Test side will take time.
“He had a good first-class season and a good IPL. He did well in white-ball cricket, but he will have to wait. His time will come,” Chopra added.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar had also made it clear that while Iyer’s form is appreciated, the current Test squad has no vacant slots. Iyer has played 14 Tests so far, scoring 811 runs at an average of 36.81, with one century and five fifties.
India’s Test squad for the England series includes several young names and in-form players. With such fierce competition, Shreyas Iyer will need to wait for the right moment to make his return in the longest format.
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