Shreyas Iyer, one of India’s most dependable middle-order batters, could be handed a leadership role in the upcoming India A series against Australia A after missing out on selection for the 2025 Asia Cup T20I squad. According to reports, Iyer is likely to captain India A in the two unofficial four-day Tests, which three unofficial ODIs will follow.
The red-ball fixtures are scheduled at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, while Kanpur’s iconic Green Park will host the white-ball leg. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to confirm the India A squad. Still, sources suggest Iyer’s return is almost inevitable, especially with a “prominent role” on the cards.
The Mumbai-born star, currently representing West Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025 semifinal against Central Zone in Bengaluru, was overlooked for the earlier series against England Lions but has remained a consistent performer in domestic cricket.
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Selectors are expected to consider standout performers from the ongoing Duleep Trophy for selection. Names like all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, top-order batter Abhimanyu Easwaran—who has previously captained India A—and the rising talent B Sai Sudharsan are strong contenders.
⚡ After the 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐬𝐧𝐮𝐛, Shreyas Iyer will be in the mix to play for… 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐀!
With so much cricket coming up, should he be considered for an India spot again? If yes, in which format? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/g3NalOIwHt
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) September 6, 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Narayan Jagadeesan, and Rajat Patidar are also in contention. Jagadeesan, who filled in for Rishabh Pant during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year, made headlines with a superb 197 for South Zone against North Zone. Gaikwad impressed for West Zone, scoring 184 against Central Zone, while Patidar’s run of form includes scores of 125 and 66 in the quarterfinals and an unbeaten 47 in the semifinal.
Interestingly, Gaikwad and Jagadeesan are yet to make their Test debuts, but Patidar has already represented India in three Tests against England last year. With several young players pushing for higher honours, this series will be a crucial platform for fringe players to stake their claim.
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For Iyer, this captaincy opportunity could be the perfect chance to remind selectors of his leadership credentials and readiness for a return to the senior Test setup. The series against Australia A promises to be a high-intensity contest, testing India’s red-ball bench strength ahead of a packed international calendar.
