Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the growing debate surrounding Shreyas Iyer’s absence from India’s ongoing Test series against England. With mounting discussions in the cricketing fraternity about team combinations and selections, Chopra offered a straightforward perspective: Shreyas Iyer will have to wait for his opportunity in the longest format of the game, and as of now, he is not in the immediate Test plans of the Indian setup.
Chopra’s comments come amid growing concerns about India’s middle-order stability in Test cricket. The recent performances have been patchy, and while the selectors have backed a certain group of players for the England tour, the omission of Shreyas Iyer—once considered a promising Test middle-order mainstay—has sparked conversation. Addressing the situation, Chopra said that Iyer would not have made it to the England tour regardless of injuries or other absences, as others in the queue are also waiting for their opportunities.
“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,” Chopra stated. “There are others in line who haven’t had their chances yet either.” This statement underlines the pecking order that exists within the team structure and the reality that many fringe players are competing for very few spots in a settled playing XI.
Iyer last featured in the Test side earlier in the World Test Championship cycle but has struggled to maintain consistency. While his limited-overs credentials are strong, his red-ball form has wavered over the past year. Injuries and technical concerns, particularly against short-pitched bowling, have further complicated his Test aspirations. Chopra’s assessment signals that Iyer must not only work on his game but also wait patiently as other candidates like Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran await their turns too.
This stance also reflects the depth and competition in India’s domestic and A-team cricket. Several players have been knocking on the selectors’ doors with consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy and for India A. The likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan have already made it into the Test squad or playing XI, and others are steadily being groomed.
Chopra’s remarks further shed light on how the team management is currently prioritizing stability. With a new coaching regime under Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill recently taking over Test captaincy duties, the selectors are believed to be aiming for continuity rather than frequent changes. It appears they are investing in a group of players who fit into a long-term vision rather than making short-term swaps.
This situation places Iyer in a challenging spot. He must now prove himself in domestic cricket and limited opportunities in India A tours if he is to make a comeback into the Test squad. The doors are not shut, but the message from senior voices like Chopra is clear: form, fitness, and timing will dictate any return.
For now, Shreyas Iyer must bide his time and focus on regaining rhythm and consistency across formats. The Indian Test team, bolstered by strong performances from emerging talents and driven by a vision for future stability, is not expected to make abrupt changes. If and when the opportunity does arrive for Iyer, he will need to be ready to seize it with both hands. Until then, the waiting game continues.
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