Aakash Chopra believes that Shreyas Iyer had slim chances of being selected for the England Test series due to the intense competition for spots in the middle order. Despite a strong first-class season with Mumbai and captaining Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, Shreyas was not selected when the squad was revealed. His last Test appearance was in 2024, after which he was dropped and failed to play for the Ranji Trophy, leading to his removal from the BCCI’s central contracts list.
While Shreyas made a return to the contracts list through strong white-ball performances, a Test recall is still pending. Chopra believes that with players like Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel also waiting for their chance, it is only fair for Shreyas to bide his time before getting a selection opportunity.
“The issue isn’t with his batting. However, he needs to wait for the right opportunities; he won’t get a chance immediately. He wouldn’t have made it to the squad for the England tour either. Others haven’t had their opportunities yet, either,” Chopra mentioned on his YouTube channel.
“Consider this, Karun Nair has only just played. Sarfaraz Khan isn’t being given any opportunities. Dhruv Jurel is sitting out. If the players who are already part of the squad aren’t being given opportunities, how can Shreyas Iyer hope for one?” he further added.
Aakash Chopra also acknowledged that Shreyas had an impressive season, but emphasized that he must be patient and wait for his opportunity in Test cricket.
“I’m aware he had a strong first-class season and a good IPL, leading Punjab Kings to the final. He did well in white-ball cricket, but his opportunity will come. He just has to be a little more patient,” said Chopra.