Shreyas Iyer Writes To BCCI, Asks For Break From Red-Ball Cricket Due To… | Cricket News

Shreyas Iyer has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he will be taking a break from red-ball cricket due to ongoing stiffness and fatigue in his back.

As per a report in The Indian Express, the 29-year-old, recently appointed captain of the India A side for the series against Australia, withdrew from the second unofficial Test in Lucknow earlier this week. Iyer, after thorough discussions with selectors and chairman Ajit Agarkar, formalised his decision in writing via an email to the board.

Sources disclosed that Iyer explained to selectors that his body can no longer endure the physical demands of red-ball cricket. He mentioned that he struggles to stay on the field for more than four consecutive days, making it extremely difficult to play in the longer format. Although he participated in a Ranji Trophy match last year, Iyer admitted he had to take frequent breaks, which is not feasible in international Test cricket or India A assignments.

“He has informed us that he (Iyer) 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. 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,” TIE quoted a source as saying.

Will Shreyas Iyer Be In India’s Test Squad For West Indies Series?

Iyer was initially considered for selection in the upcoming two-Test home series against the West Indies starting next month. As part of his preparation, he was named to lead India A in two four-day matches against Australia A. However, his decision to withdraw now casts doubt over his red-ball future.

Notably, Iyer had an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Punjab Kings this year, where his aggressive batting style received widespread praise. Despite his strong form, he was overlooked for the Asia Cup squad, which surprised many.

This is not the first time back issues have interrupted Iyer’s career. He missed the India-England Test series at home last year due to a similar injury. 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, contradicted Iyer’s claims in an email to selectors, stating there was “no fresh injury” and that Iyer was medically fit.

Patel in his email, wrote: “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.”