BCCI Confirms Shreyas Iyer’s Six-Month Break from Red-Ball Cricket, Named India A Captain

BCCI Announces Shreyas Iyer’s Six-Month Break

Following much time of speculation, India’s cricket chief, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has confirmed middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer will take a six-month break from red-ball cricket. This decision was made just before India’s announcement of their Test squad for the upcoming home series against the West Indies.

In spite of his time off red-ball cricket, Iyer has been appointed the captain for the India A team, which opens a two-match unofficial one-day series against Australia A starting on September 30.

Recurring Back Issues Led to the Break

Iyer’s decision is mainly because of his back problems that keep coming back after his surgery in the UK in 2023. He took short breaks to get better during the last Ranji Trophy season, but playing the longer format for a long time has been hard.

The problem showed up again when Iyer had to drop out of India A’s second unofficial test against Australia A in Kanpur. Vice-captain Dhruv Jurel took his place as the leader.

In an official statement, the BCCI clarified:

“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.”

Selection Puzzle for India’s Middle Order

It was anticipated that Shreyas Iyer would be returning to the Test against West Indies, his last outing being in England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in July. Karun Nair’s uninspiring display seems to have paved the way for Iyer. But now, with Iyer not being available, the selectors have a tricky job of finding the right composition of the middle order and, thereby, opening the door to new faces.

Shreyas Iyer to Lead India A vs Australia A

Although absent from red-ball cricket, Iyer will continue to be involved with the national setup. He has been named captain of the India A squad for the upcoming one-day series against Australia A.

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 & 3rd One-Days 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

With Iyer unavailable, the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup will be led by Rajat Patidar. The squad features a mix of seasoned domestic performers and exciting youngsters:

• 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