After loads of speculation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that Shreyas Iyer has requested a six-month break from red-ball cricket. The announcement comes just ahead of India’s Test squad reveal for the upcoming home series against West Indies. Iyer has also been named captain of the India A side, set to play a two-match unofficial one-day series against Australia A starting September 30.
The decision follows Iyer’s recurring back issues stemming from a surgery Iyer underwent in the UK in 2023. He had previously managed these challenges during the last Ranji Trophy season by taking short breaks, but sustained involvement in longer-format games was no longer feasible. As a result, Iyer withdrew from India A’s second unofficial Test against Australia A in Kanpur, with vice-captain Dhruv Jurel stepping in to lead the side.
“Mr Shreyas Iyer has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Having undergone back surgery in the UK and managed his recovery well, he has recently experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format. He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup.” the BCCI statement said.
Shreyas Iyer had been expected to return for the West Indies Tests after Karun Nair, who was selected for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England in July, failed to make a strong impression. With Iyer unavailable, India’s selectors now have a reshuffled middle order to consider.
For the upcoming India A one-day series against Australia A, Iyer will lead a side featuring players such as Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, and Gurjapneet Singh in the first match, while Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, and Prabhsimran Singh will feature in the subsequent games.
India A squad for 1st one-day vs Australia A: Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh
India A squad for 2nd and 3rd one-day vs Australia A: Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Verma (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh
Rest of India squad (Irani Cup): Rajat Patidar (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain
– Ends