Shreyas Iyer Takes Six-Month Red-Ball Break, Named India A Captain for ODI Series vs Australia A

Shreyas Iyer has requested a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to recurring back issues, the BCCI confirmed on September 25, 2025. The decision comes ahead of India’s Test squad announcement for the home series against West Indies, and Iyer will focus on recovery, fitness, and endurance during this period.

While stepping away from red-ball cricket, Iyer has been named captain of the India A side, which will play a two-match unofficial one-day series against Australia A starting September 30. The India A squad features Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, and Vipraj Nigam, with additional players like Tilak Verma, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh joining for the second and third matches.

BCCI Statement on Iyer’s Break
“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 utilize 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.

Impact on India’s Test Plans
Iyer had been considered for India’s upcoming Test series against West Indies, especially after Karun Nair’s underwhelming performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. With Iyer stepping away, selectors now need to revisit middle-order combinations for India’s longest-format games.

India A One-Day Series Squads vs Australia A

1st ODI Squad:
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 ODI Squad:
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:
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

This step marks a strategic move for Iyer, allowing him to manage his long-term fitness while continuing to gain leadership experience with India A. Fans and selectors will be watching closely as he leads the side in the ODI series against Australia A and works on returning stronger for the red-ball format.