Senior India middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been conspicuously left out of India’s 18-member Test squad for the five-match series in England, a decision that reignited debates about India’s batting depth and selection policy. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has weighed in, explaining why, despite Iyer’s impressive white-ball record and strong domestic form, “he would’ve never made it to the squad for the England tour” — yet remains optimistic that “his time will come.”
A Packed Squad Leaves No Room for Iyer
On May 24, 2025, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar announced India’s touring party for the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. Alongside Shubman Gill—elevated to Test captain—and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, the squad featured maiden Test call-ups for Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, and a long-awaited recall for Karun Nair after eight years in exile. However, the omission of the 30-year-old Iyer, who last donned the Test whites during the Visakhapatnam Test last year, was among the most hotly debated talking points.
Agarkar defended the decision, stating that despite Iyer’s robust performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, “at the moment there is no room for him in the Test team.” He pointed to the settled nature of India’s middle order, suggesting that introducing another batter could disrupt team balance.
Iyer’s Recent Form: Stellar yet Overlooked
Shreyas Iyer’s credentials heading into the England series were far from ordinary. He amassed 480 runs in seven innings during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, averaging 68.57 with a strike rate surpassing 90. He followed that with a career-best IPL season for Punjab Kings, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33 and an eye-watering strike rate of 175.07, including 39 sixes, to guide his franchise to its first final in nine years.
Yet, selectors maintained that success in T20 and first-class cricket does not automatically translate into immediate Test selection, especially when established stars occupy the No. 4 and No. 5 slots.
Chopra’s Take: “He Would’ve Never Made It”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra poured cold water on any expectation of Iyer’s inclusion for the England tour. He argued that the competition for the middle order is so fierce that even internationally experienced names like Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel have yet to cement their spots.
“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 explained, underscoring the depth of the queue for Test slots.
Chopra further highlighted that “Karun Nair has played just now, Sarfaraz Khan is not being given the chances, Dhruv Jurel is sitting outside,” posing the rhetorical question: “If the players who are already there aren’t getting opportunities, then how can Shreyas Iyer get a look-in?”
The Queue Ahead: Nair, Sarfaraz and Jurel
Karun Nair’s recall at Headingley symbolises the selectors’ preference for rewarding past Test experience, even after an eight-year hiatus. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan — Iyer’s Mumbai teammate — boasts nine Test innings featuring three fifties and a mammoth 150, yet remains perennially overlooked despite aggregating 699 runs, including two centuries and three half-centuries, in nine First Class matches during the same season. Dhruv Jurel too has dazzled on India A tours with a 92-run knock against England Lions followed by a century in an intra-squad match, yet finds himself on the sidelines.
India’s Middle-Order Puzzle
India’s current Test XI is anchored by:
- Shubman Gill (No. 4): The new captain, boasting a Test average north of 45.
- Rishabh Pant (No. 5): The explosive wicketkeeper-batter with seven Test centuries.
- Karun Nair (No. 6): Recalled on the back of domestic heroics and past Test triple-hundred.
- Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur (Nos. 7 and 8): All-rounders providing bowling depth.
This seven-man batting core leaves scant room for Iyer’s natural No. 5 slot, now firmly in Pant’s grasp, making his Test recall even more challenging without an incumbency change.
Selection Philosophy: Merit vs. Stability
India’s selection committee appears to prioritise continuity. Once a batting lineup clicks, turnover is minimal — a philosophy that has delivered consistency but can frustrate in-form domestic players. Balancing immediate performance needs with long-term planning remains a tightrope, where rewarding red-ball form must align with preserving a settled Test framework.
Chopra noted that unless one of the incumbents falters or an injury crisis strikes, Iyer and his contemporaries must remain patient, waiting for the narrow windows that occasionally open during away rotations or lower-pressure series.
Pathways to Test Recall
For Shreyas Iyer to break into the Test XI, he may need to:
- Continue Dominating Domestically: Elevate first-class statistics across diverse conditions, from spin-friendly tracks to seaming pitches.
- Excel on India A Tours: Star performances on England Lions or South Africa A tours can showcase overseas adaptability.
- Leverage White-Ball Success: Translating ODI and T20I prowess into selection pressure — as seen with Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel in the past.
- Demonstrate Leadership: Captaincy success in IPL or domestic tournaments can reflect temperament and tactical acumen.
Veteran vs. Youth: Managing a Talent Pipeline
The selectors face a multi-layered challenge: integrating new talent without destabilising an experienced core, while preparing for the inevitable transition as senior players retire. India’s packed calendar leaves little margin for extended experiments in the Test arena, reinforcing the need to seed talent gradually — often outside marquee series.
Fan and Media Reaction
Social media users have been vocal. Hashtags such as #BringBackIyer trended on match days, with fans lamenting his absence. Some editorialists argue that ignoring in-form domestic stalwarts could hamper India’s bench strength in the long run. Yet, many concede Chopra’s logic: with a formidable middle order, patience is the only virtue for Iyer and his peers.
Comparisons and Contrasts
Shreyas Iyer’s situation mirrors other high-profile exclusion puzzles — from Karun Nair’s intermittent Test opportunities to Sarfaraz Khan’s long wait despite exceptional First Class numbers. Each case underscores that in the Indian Test setup, competition is not solely about talent — it’s also about timing, team composition, and selectors’ broader vision.
What Lies Ahead: India vs. Australia and Beyond
Iyer’s next realistic opportunity may come during series where India rotate personnel to manage workloads — for instance, a January-February 2026 tour of Australia where backup players often get a game during mid-series rest. Injuries, dips in form by incumbents, or strategic rest days for players like Pant could also open doors.
Conclusion: Patience and Perseverance Pay Off
Aakash Chopra’s verdict is clear: Shreyas Iyer’s red-ball aspirations are on ice, but not extinguished. His Time Will Come hinges on sustained excellence, strategic opportunities, and a bit of luck when India’s Test calendar allows rotation. For now, Iyer remains an integral part of India’s ODI framework and a T20 talisman, awaiting the narrow lane through which his Test ambitions must someday pass.
