The BCCI has confirmed that Shreyas Iyer will step away from red-ball cricket for six months, citing recurring back problems. The 30-year-old, who underwent spinal surgery in the UK in 2023, has experienced spasms and stiffness in recent first-class matches, making sustained involvement in the format untenable.
“Mr Shreyas Iyer has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket,” the board said. “He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, resilience and fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for the Irani Cup.”
The announcement, timed just before India’s Test squad selection for the home series against West Indies, leaves a vacancy in the middle order. Iyer had been tipped for a return after Karun Nair’s modest showing against England in July, but selectors must now look elsewhere.
For now, Iyer remains in circulation as captain of India A in a two-match one-day series against Australia A beginning September 30 in Kanpur. His side includes Prabhsimran Singh, Riyan Parag, and Ayush Badoni, with Tilak Verma, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh joining from the senior squad later in the series.
Iyer’s withdrawal from India A’s recent unofficial Test had already signalled the direction of travel, with Dhruv Jurel deputising as captain. His absence from the Irani Cup, meanwhile, robs the selectors of a proven first-class batsman at a time when long-format depth is under scrutiny.
As Iyer pivots to white-ball duties, India’s red-ball plans proceed without him, an omission born less of form than of fragility.
Shreyas Iyer to Lead: Full India A Squad vs Australia
India A squad for 1st ODI:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Nishant Sindhu, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh
India A squad for 2nd and 3rd ODIs
Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Tilak Verma (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Arshdeep Singh
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