New Delhi: India batter Shreyas Iyer has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he will be stepping away from red-ball cricket for the foreseeable future, citing recurring stiffness and fatigue in his back. The 29-year-old, who was recently appointed captain of India A for the series against Australia, has also withdrawn from the second unofficial Test in Lucknow.
Formal communication to selectors
According to a report in The Indian Express, Iyer conveyed his decision to the selectors and chairman Ajit Agarkar after thorough discussions. He also formalised it in writing through an email to the board.
“He has informed us that he will be taking a break from red-ball cricket and it’s good that he has cleared it out because selectors are now clear about his future,” a source told TIE. “He won’t be playing red-ball cricket in coming months and he has informed the board that he will assess his body in future in consultation with physios and trainer and take a call on it.”
Concerns over fitness for longer format
Sources revealed that Iyer explained his inability to endure the physical demands of multi-day cricket. He reportedly admitted that he finds it difficult to stay on the field for more than four consecutive days. Even during his last Ranji Trophy appearance, Iyer said he needed frequent breaks, which is impractical in the rigours of Test cricket.
This development raises fresh doubts over his red-ball future, especially with India preparing for a two-Test home series against the West Indies starting next month. Iyer was initially being considered for selection and had been named India A captain for two four-day matches against Australia A.
Impressive IPL form but missed Asia Cup
Despite his struggles in red-ball cricket, Iyer enjoyed an excellent Indian Premier League (IPL) season earlier this year with Punjab Kings, where his aggressive batting earned plaudits. However, he was not included in the Asia Cup squad, a decision that raised eyebrows given his form.
Injury history and past controversies
This is not the first time back problems have hindered Iyer’s progress. He missed the home Test series against England last year due to a similar issue. Controversy also arose when he made himself unavailable for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy quarterfinals, citing back pain.
At that time, Nitin Patel, then head of sports science at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), contradicted Iyer’s claims in an email to selectors. Patel maintained there was “no fresh injury” and that Iyer was medically fit for selection. “Shreyas Iyer was fit and available for selection as per the handover report of the Indian team after the 2nd Test match against England. There are currently no fresh injuries reported as well after his departure from Team India,” Patel wrote.
Conclusion
With Iyer’s decision to step back from red-ball cricket, the selectors will now need to rework their plans for the upcoming Test series. While his future in the longer format remains uncertain, Iyer is expected to continue playing limited-overs cricket, where his aggressive stroke play and leadership remain valuable assets.