Shreyas Iyer writes to BCCI, seeks break from red-ball cricket

Published - 23 Sept 2025, 21:46 IST | Updated - 23 Sept 2025, 21:46 IST

Experienced Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he will be taking a 'break from red-ball cricket' for a while due to stiffness and fatigue issues in his back.

Iyer, who was appointed skipper of India A team for the ongoing series against Australia A, pulled out of the second unofficial Test that commenced at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, September 23. It is learnt that after consultation with selectors and the chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, Iyer decided to make his request formal in an email.

According to a report from The Indian Express, Iyer communicated to the selectors that he is experiencing stiffness in his back and his body is unable to cope with the rigours of red-ball cricket anymore. It is learnt that Iyer can’t be on the field for more than four days, and as a reason, he wants to give his body some rest and try to get back in the kind of physical condition required to play the red-ball format.

Iyer informed the board that he played a Ranji Trophy game last year, where he managed to take a break in between the overs; however, he cannot do the same for India A or while playing Test cricket.

“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,” a source told the aforementioned source.

Tilak treated Afridi like a net-ball spinner: Ex-IND captain

Iyer has struggled with back injuries in recent years. However, he was in line to be selected for the home Test series against the West Indies in October. Now, with his decision to stay away from red-ball cricket, Iyer's international comeback could come in Australia after the Tests against the West Indies. The Men in Blue will play three ODIs against the Aussies.