Shreyas Iyer Seeks Pause from Test Matches

Shreyas Iyer has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take a break from Test and first-class cricket. The Indian middle-order batsman aims to focus on revamping his fitness regimen during this period.

This decision follows his withdrawal from the four-day match against Australia A, first reported by Cricbuzz, where he was slated to captain. After participating in the first game in Lucknow last week, Iyer submitted his request to the BCCI and had discussions with chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Iyer’s decision was influenced by discomfort experienced during his participation in the Duleep Trophy with West Zone earlier this month. He felt similar unease in the India A – Australia A match last week. After the match, he consulted BCCI physios and India A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar before reaching out to the BCCI from Lucknow, prior to heading back to Mumbai.

Although Iyer underwent back surgery in 2023, he is not stepping away from Test cricket permanently. “He is just seeking a break. After improving his fitness, he plans to reset his red-ball career and return stronger,” stated a well-placed source. It is expected that he will miss the upcoming Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai. Iyer has played 14 Tests and 70 first-class matches, mainly representing Mumbai.

Nevertheless, Iyer intends to continue his white-ball career. He remains a likely candidate for the upcoming ODI series in Australia, and possibly even the T20I squad. India is set to play three ODIs and five T20Is between October 19 and November 8.