BCCI abandons Shreyas Iyer from Cricket

Indian cricket has been hit by fresh uncertainty as Shreyas Iyer is reportedly taking a break from red-ball cricket to manage a long-standing back problem just ahead of the two-match Test series against the West Indies at home.

Several media reports claimed that Shreyas Iyer informed the BCCI by email that he will be “taking a break from red-ball cricket” to deal with a long-standing back problem. However, the BCCI has not yet officially confirmed Iyer’s decision to step away from the red-ball action.

BCCI keeps silent on Shreyas Iyer's decision to take a break from red-ball cricket

On being asked about the same, BCCI’s General Manager Abey Kuruvilla was quoted as saying by Revsportz, “I can’t comment.” This news comes just before the Indian selectors are set to announce the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies.

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Earlier, Shreyas had been named captain of India A for two unofficial tests against Australia A to pave the way for his Test comeback.

However, the Mumbaiker failed to make an impact in the first drawn unofficial Test and then stepped down from the captaincy and pulled out of the second unofficial Test against Australia A in Kanpur, leaving his Test future in further uncertainty.

Well, Shreyas Iyer's back issue is not new. In 2023, the right-handed batter underwent surgery to be ready for the ICC World Cup 2019. The problem returned last year during India’s home Test series against England, leading to his exclusion from the team.

Ajit Agarkar aware of Shreyas Iyer’s move?

Even Iyer skipped a Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai. His back spasms were serious enough that, after struggling in the nets, he was temporarily removed from India’s central contract before being reinstated this year after his impressive performances across the formats.

Meanwhile, the Indian chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, reportedly asked Shreyas to make his break official after the player explained that he could not handle the physical demands of multi-day matches.

The 30-year-old is an important player in India’s plans, especially after controversy over his omission from the Asia Cup 2025 squad, but his Test return is now uncertain.

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Shreyas Iyer takes a temporary break from Tests, committed to white-ball cricket

However, it is being said that Iyer is taking a temporary break from red-ball cricket to work on his fitness and manage a recurring back problem.

This means he is likely to miss the upcoming Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai. Iyer has played 70 red-ball games, but his body needs time to recover from the physical demands of multi-day cricket.

But the good news is that Iyer is fully committed to continuing his white-ball career. He is expected to be a part of India’s squad for the white-ball series in Australia.

This break is seen as a smart move to prolong his overall career. By focusing on fitness and giving his back time to heal, Iyer aims to come back stronger in the longer format in the future.

A source close to the development was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, “He is only seeking a break. After working on his fitness, he will reset his red-ball career and come back stronger.”

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