After weeks 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 before India’s Test squad reveal for the upcoming home series against West Indies. Despite stepping away from the longer format, Iyer has been named captain of the India A side for the two-match unofficial one-day series against Australia A, beginning September 30.
The decision is closely linked to Iyer’s recurring back problems, an issue dating back to the surgery he underwent in the UK in 2023. While he had managed his recovery during the last Ranji Trophy season by taking short breaks, the demands of red-ball cricket have proven too taxing.
His recent withdrawal from India A’s second unofficial Test against Australia A in Kanpur, where vice-captain Dhruv Jurel stepped in as skipper, further underlined his struggle.
ALSO READ: BCCI Files Complaint Against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan Over Provocative Gestures
In its statement, the BCCI noted: “Mr Shreyas Iyer has informed the board of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Having undergone back surgery in the UK, he has recently faced recurring spasms and stiffness in the longer format. He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, improve body resilience, and focus on fitness. In view of this, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup.”
🗒️ BCCI statement 🗒️
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… pic.twitter.com/tI43YlQbMW
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) September 25, 2025
Iyer’s absence poses a challenge for selectors, who were considering him as a middle-order option for the West Indies Tests, particularly after Karun Nair’s underwhelming show in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.
For the one-dayers against Australia A, Iyer will lead a promising squad featuring Prabhsimran Singh, Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, and Vipraj Nigam. Tilak Verma, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh will join the squad later, once their Asia Cup duties conclude.
WATCH – Sanjana Ganesan’s Filmy Moment With Raghav Juyal Wins Fans During Asia Cup
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 1st one-day match:
Shreyas (C), Prabhsimran (WK), Riyan, Badoni, Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet, Yudhvir, Bishnoi, Porel (WK), Priyansh, Simarjeet.
India A squad for 2nd & 3rd one-day matches:
Shreyas (C), Tilak (VC), Abhishek, Prabhsimran… pic.twitter.com/bGdAIbsqsU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 25, 2025
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
