Shreyas Iyer’s struggles with form continued on Day 3 of the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Lucknow, as the India A skipper managed just 8 runs before falling to spinner Corey Rocchiccioli. Coming in at No. 4 after Sai Sudharsan’s well-compiled 73, Iyer struck one crisp boundary to raise hopes of a revival, but his stay was cut short when Rocchiccioli trapped him LBW in the 62nd over.

For Iyer, this outing was another missed chance to make a strong case for a Test recall. With India set to face the West Indies in a two-match Test series beginning October 2 in Ahmedabad, every run holds significance. The 29-year-old last featured in a Test in February 2024 against England, and his most recent India appearance came in March during the Champions Trophy final.

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Since then, a three-month layoff due to fitness concerns appears to have affected his rhythm. His recent numbers highlight the dip. Iyer’s last notable innings was an unbeaten 87 in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025, but in first-class cricket, his returns have been modest—25 and 12 in the Duleep Trophy, being his last red-ball scores.

Shreyas Iyer is in the scheme of things for the home Tests against West Indies. But he needs to get into the groove quickly. Thursday was a missed opportunity.@shamik100 ✍️https://t.co/obtJ64YwLa

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) September 18, 2025

This A series was seen as a platform for him to rediscover touch, but so far, he has struggled to impose himself. Meanwhile, the match itself has been dominated by Australia A. After electing to bat, the visitors piled on 532/6 declared, thanks to centuries from Sam Konstas and wicketkeeper Josh Phillippe, who remained unbeaten on 123.

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In reply, India A began positively with Abhimanyu Easwaran (44) and Narayan Jagadeesan (47) putting on 88 for the opening stand. Sudharsan’s composed 73 further steadied the innings, supported by Devdutt Padikkal, who is still unbeaten with Dhruv Jurel at the crease.

The spotlight, however, remains firmly on Iyer—whether he can bounce back in the second innings could shape his immediate Test future.