The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Thursday, September 24, that the middle-order batter has opted to take a break from red-ball cricket. Iyer recently featured in the unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow but withdrew from the second match, sparking speculation about his future in the longest format.
Those rumours were put to rest when the BCCI officially announced his red-ball break while unveiling the squads for India A’s unofficial One-Day series against Australia A and the Rest of India squad for the 2025–26 Irani Cup, where ROI will face the defending Ranji Trophy champions.
Interestingly, Iyer has been appointed captain of the India A team for the unofficial OD series against Australia.
BCCI Explains Shreyas Iyer’s Break from Red-Ball Cricket
The BCCI on Thursday confirmed that Shreyas Iyer has opted for a break from red-ball cricket due to recurring back problems. Iyer, who previously underwent back surgery in the UK, had managed his recovery successfully. However, he has recently been troubled by spasms and stiffness, especially while playing on consecutive days.
According to the board, the 29-year-old batter will use this period to focus on building endurance, enhancing body resilience, and improving overall fitness. As a result, Iyer was not considered for selection in the upcoming Irani Cup.
“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 longer format. He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup,” the BCCI stated.
Iyer last featured in a Test match for India in February 2024 but continues to remain a key figure in India’s ODI setup.
India A Squad for OD Series vs Australia A
1st One-Day Match: 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
2nd & 3rd One-Day Matches: 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 for Irani Cup 2025–26
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
