IND vs AUS: Shreyas Iyer’s comeback dreams dashed; Ranji Trophy future also in danger

Shreyas Iyer was hoping to make a swift return to the Indian cricket team, but his desires have taken a significant blow, as he has been sidelined from Mumbai’s upcoming match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Shreyas Iyer will be unavailable for at least a week, which means the Indian batter will miss Mumbai’s crucial Ranji Trophy 2024-25 fixture against Tripura, set to take place at Maharaja Bir Bikram College Stadium in Agartala from October 26 to 29.

Mumbai set to face Tripura without Shreyas Iyer in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash

Iyer, who has participated in seven consecutive multi-day games, recently emphasized the importance of listening to his body after the second game in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. The right-handed batter had expressed the need for a break regardless of external opinions.

He scored a match-winning 142 last week in the second match of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Group A match against Maharashtra to help Mumbai record their first victory of this season. After his impressive century against Maharashtra, Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the toll that years of rigorous play have taken on him and hinted at prioritizing his health.

He made it clear that prioritizing his health is very important for both himself and his team’s future. His absence will be felt as Mumbai aims to maintain momentum in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Iyer had recently stated, “No matter whatever people think outside, I have to listen to my body because I know the amount of threshold I've carried over the last few years, and based on that, I'll be taking the right decision, and I hope that my team will also back me. I am absolutely keen for a comeback, but, yeah, as we say, control the controllables.”

MCA approves break from Ranji action to Shreyas Iyer

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has requested the Mumbai senior men's selection committee for a break, and his request has been accepted by the committee. A senior official from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed this development to PTI on Wednesday (October 23).

Thus, Iyer will not be joining the Mumbai team for their trip to Agartala, while the rest of the squad is set to depart on Wednesday morning. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) will not be naming a replacement for Iyer, as a 16-member squad has already been announced for the match.

Notably, Iyer underwent back surgery last year, and since making his comeback, the right-handed batter has featured in both the Asia Cup 2023 and the ODI World Cup 2023.

Iyer unlikely to be picked for the Australia tour

However, the Indian middle-order batter has not been able to secure a spot in the Indian team after being dropped from the side. With India set to tour Australia for a five-match Test series next month, Iyer was eyeing a comeback with a squad set to be announced after the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai.

As of now, Iyer does not appear to be in the running for test selection. However, the Mumbai batter would likely be picked for the India A squad, but his inclusion remains uncertain.