Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opined that middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer will have to wait to make a Test return even if he performs well in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

Iyer consistently performed under pressure in India’s triumphant Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, scoring 243 runs in five matches, including a critical knock of 48 in the title clash against New Zealand.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Shreyas Iyer can spring a comeback into the Test side. India’s next Test assignment is the tour of England in June. Before the marquee five-Test series, the Indian players will showcase their skills in the IPL 2025.

Ashwin wondered how a good Indian Premier League can be a reason for inclusion in the Test team.

“Tell me one thing: how can a good IPL lead to a Test call-up? How can you improve your Test credentials if you have a good IPL? If you do well in ODIs, someone writes an article about having that player in Tests," Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“If someone does well in Tests, people start talking about return in T20Is. Isn’t all this wrong? If you have a good IPL, then only your T20I credentials should improve," he added.

Ashwin also lauded Iyer’s contributions in India’s Champions Trophy triumph. “Shreyas Iyer has done well. The form he showed in the Champions Trophy, I won’t be surprised if he carries on in the IPL. He is a fabulous player. He was instrumental in helping KKR win the title last season," he remarked

Talking about Shreyas Iyer, he would be leading Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 season. He was released by KKR last year and was roped in up by PBKS for a hefty sum of Rs 26.75 crore at the mega auction.

Shreyas isn’t in India’s T20 scheme of things lately but a productive season for Punjab Kings can revive his international career in the shortest format.