Shreyas Iyer evaluating career options after quitting India; axe confirmed

In a recent development, Team India middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is not in contention for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. Notably, Iyer urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take a break from red-ball cricket due to workload and injury concerns.

Iyer has struggled with recurring back issues, including surgery in 2023, which have raised concerns about his long-term fitness. The batter has continued playing since the 2023 Asia Cup. He has opted for a break from Tests and first-class cricket and is expected to be available for selection in other formats.

Shreyas Iyer Not in Contention for India’s Test Series Against the West Indies

According to The Telegraph India, Shreyas Iyer is taking a temporary break from red-ball cricket to focus on regaining his fitness. Iyer will work on his rehabilitation before deciding on his future in the longer formats.

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"It was learnt that Shreyas is only taking a break and will work hard on his fitness to rejuvenate his red-ball career and then take a call in the coming months. He underwent a back surgery in April 2023 and had first felt discomfort during the Duleep Trophy earlier this month," the report read.

Shreyas Iyer Withdrew from the Second Unofficial Test to Focus on Fitness

Shreyas Iyer recently withdrew from the second unofficial Test against Australia A. He decided to take a break as he looks to manage his workload and focus on his fitness.

This decision may also impact his participation in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai. Iyer had earlier asked the Mumbai selectors not to consider him for the Ranji captaincy after Ajinkya Rahane stepped down from the role.

Earlier in the series, Iyer led India A in the first unofficial Test in Lucknow but scored just eight runs in his only innings, with the match ending in a draw. The two-match Test series against the West Indies begins on October 2 in Ahmedabad.

Shreyas Iyer’s Numbers in International Cricket

Shreyas Iyer has been a key middle-order batter for India across formats. He has played 14 Test matches, scoring 811 runs at an average of 36.86, including one century and five fifties, with his highest score of 105 on debut against New Zealand in 2021.

Iyer has featured in 70 ODI games, amassing 2,845 runs at an average of 48.22 and a strike rate of 100.00, with five centuries and 22 fifties. He was also part of India’s victorious 2025 Champions Trophy squad under Rohit Sharma.

The Mumbai batter has played 51 T20I matches since his debut in November 2017 against New Zealand. He has scored 1,104 runs at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12, including eight fifties. The batter was not included in the squad for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

Also read: Prasidh Krishna ruled out of West Indies Tests? Pacer hit on helmet during Australia A clash