Aakash Chopra backs Shreyas Iyer’s selection in India’s T20I team after impressive IPL 2025

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has backed Shreyas Iyer’s selection in India’s T20I team after the Punjab Kings captain’s impressive show in IPL 2025. Iyer has led the Mohali-based franchise to the final of the tournament and has played a key role in the success of the team.

Chopra hailed Iyer’s knock in the second qualifier against Mumbai Indians when the right-hander scored an unbeaten knock of 87 runs off just 41 balls in the run-chase of 204. The renowned commentator showered praise on Iyer for playing Jasprit Bumrah’s yorkers with guile as he guided the ball to the third-man region for boundaries.

Iyer has amassed 603 runs in 16 IPL 2025 matches at an average of 54.82 and a strike rate of 175.80. 

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “We have praised Shreyas Iyer a lot, but the way he dug out the yorker within the stumps for a four was probably the shot of the tournament. It’s impossible to hit the ball there with that angle. When you play Bumrah’s yorker, you say let me just keep it out somehow. He opened the face, the ball went extremely close to the off stump, and went for a four beating the fine third man. That is class of a different level.”

“Just imagine what the guy’s mindset is. He is not thinking about survival. He is thinking whether an opportunity can be created from an approaching disaster. That is incredible. Many times we say captain’s knock, leading by example, or leading from the front. This is exactly what this boy has done. I am seeing you as part of the Indian T20 team shortly. You are a huge pillar in ODIs in any case,” he added.

On the other hand, Chopra also hailed Josh Inglis, who scored a crucial knock of 38 runs off just 21 balls against MI. The Australian took 20 runs in Jasprit Bumrah’s first over and the former Delhi player said the wicket-keeper bat is an underrated player.

“I want to talk about Josh Inglis. He scored 20 runs in an over in the last match. He set the tone. He scored 73 against Mumbai at the Sawai ManSingh Stadium. He won the game. Josh Inglis is slightly underrated, but he is a very good player. He goes after you,” he said.

“He plays with attacking intent, and until he is on the ground, there is no way the opposition is going to control the things. He is that good. A lot of focus will once again be on him. Of course, Josh Hazlewood could be a threat, but Josh Inglis has been outstanding. He wasn’t playing at the start, but since he has started playing and been sent at No. 3, he has played a critical role,” Chopra observed.

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer has decided to bowl first against RCB in IPL 2025 final at Ahmedabad.