I don't see Shreyas Iyer in the playing XI: Aakash Chopra

Mumbai’s Shreyas Iyer has been named in the Indian squad for the T20I series against New Zealand but former Indian Test cricketer and current cricket expert Aakash Chopra doesn’t see Iyer making his debut anytime soon. The right-handed batsman has scored runs aplenty recently against the South Africa A side and New Zealand A side

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Chopra said that Iyer was impressive playing for Delhi Daredevils in the first season of the IPL. He had a lean year post that but bounced back in time. The 40-year old accepts the fact that Iyer has been knocking the door but doubts whether he will get a chance to break into the XI.

“India have four opening choices if I include Virat Kohli’s name and almost each of these four selects themselves.” Chopra said.

“And if you are picking a youngster, who will be playing as a pure batsman in the shortest format then it is important to give him a chance in the top three. And I don’t see that happening, in fact, I don’t see him playing in the XI.” he added.

Chopra compared the current scenario of Iyer to another youngster Rishabh Pant, who last featured in a T20I match against West Indies, earlier this year. Pant didn’t feature in the One-Dayers and just played a single T20I game in the tour of the Caribbean. The former Test opener said that he hopes Iyer won’t be getting the same treatment.

Siraj is here to stay: Chopra

Talking about the other fresh face Mohammed Siraj, who has been included for the T20I series against Kiwis, Chopra said that he likes  Siraj’s game and believes that he is here to stay. Talking about the impact he has made in domestic cricket, the commentator said that it always helps to scalp wickets in First-class cricket. He feels that including these youngsters in the squad one thing and providing them with an opportunity is another.

Dhoni, Dhawan could have been rested: Chopra

He also urged the selectors to be a bit more patient with young prospects especially in the shortest format of the game. Adding that Shikhar Dhawan and MS Dhoni could have been rested and a few more youngsters should have got an opportunity. Chopra feels that Pant could have been given an opportunity, as now the 20-year-old will have to pile up runs and prove himself all over again.