Star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer will reportedly miss the second Unofficial Test between India A and Australia A, scheduled to begin on September 23 in Lucknow. Iyer, who was appointed captain of the side, has returned to Mumbai citing personal reasons, leaving a leadership vacuum that could see either Rajat Patidar or Dhruv Jurel take charge for the match.

According to Cricbuzz, Shreyas Iyer has formally informed the BCCI of his unavailability, raising questions about his potential selection for India’s upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. Meanwhile, senior India players KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj have arrived in Lucknow and are part of the India A squad for the second fixture.

The first Unofficial Test ended in a high-scoring draw. Australia A batted first, posting 532/6 in 98 overs with centuries from Josh Phillipe and Sam Konstas. India A responded with 531/7 in 141.1 overs, highlighted by twin centuries from Devdutt Padikkal (150) and Dhruv Jurel (140).

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Harsh Dubey took 3/141 for Australia, while Corey Rocchiccioli claimed three wickets, including Iyer’s early dismissal for 8. Australia A managed 56/0 in their second innings before rain curtailed play, resulting in a drawn match.

Following the red-ball series, a three-match Unofficial ODI series is scheduled at Green Park in Kanpur. Rajat Patidar will captain the 13-man squad for the series opener, while Tilak Varma, currently with India’s Asia Cup squad in the UAE, is set to lead the team for the remaining two matches.

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This development shifts focus to India A’s bench strength, testing young leaders and providing an opportunity for emerging players to stake a claim ahead of India’s senior international fixtures.