India batter Shreyas Iyer has been included in India A's white-ball squad against Australia A, which overlaps with the upcoming West Indies Tests. Here's why.
Why is Shreyas Iyer not playing red-ball cricket?
On Thursday (September 25), the BCCI announced a change to the India A white-ball squads for the three one-dayers against Australia later this week.
They had earlier named Rajat Patidar as captain for the first match, and Tilak Varma for the next two. However, they have now not only added Shreyas Iyer to the squad for all three matches but named him captain as well.
This comes on the back of Iyer being named India A captain for the two four-day matches against the same opposition, the second of which is ongoing. India’s Test squad for the home series against the West Indies has also been announced today: Iyer does not feature in it. He was also left out of the Rest of India squad for the one-off Irani Cup match against Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha, which begins on October 1.
Shreyas Iyer to take six-month break from red-ball cricket
The BCCI clarified Iyer’s inclusion in the white-ball squad with confirmation of reports that had been doing the rounds of his break from red-ball cricket: “Mr Shreyas Iyer has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Having undergone back surgery in the UK and managed his recovery well, he has recently experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format.
“He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup.”
Iyer led India A in the first four-day match against Australia A, where he batted once and was dismissed for eight. He did not play the second match, as Dhruv Jurel took over captaincy duties.
Earlier this year, he had opened up about the extent of the injury: "No one can understand the pain I went through. I was totally paralysed in one leg. With spine surgery, you can place a rod in the back and still manage.
“But a snapped nerve, which is what I had, is really, really dangerous. The pain was horrendous, running all the way down to my tiny toe. It was so scary.”
India A squad for one-day series vs Australia A
Batters
Shreyas Iyer (c), Ayush Badoni, Priyansh Arya (1st match only), Rajat Patidar, Tilak Varma (2nd & 3rd matches only).
Wicketkeepers
Abishek Porel, Prabhsimran Singh.
All-rounders
Nishant Sindhu, Riyan Parag, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Abhishek Sharma (2nd & 3rd matches only).
Bowlers
Gurjapneet Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Simarjeet Singh (1st match only), Yudhvir Singh, Arshdeep Singh (2nd and 3rd matches only), Harshit Rana (2nd and 3rd matches only).
Rest of India squad for Irani Cup vs Vidarbha
Batters
Rajat Patidar (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed,
Wicketkeepers
Aryan Juyal, Ishan Kishan.
All-rounders
Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain.
Bowlers
Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj.
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