Shreyas Iyer’s India A stint not linked to ODI captaincy, says Ajit Agarkar

Published - 25 Sept 2025, 15:23 IST | Updated - 25 Sept 2025, 15:25 IST

India’s squad announcement for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies has sparked debates surrounding both injuries and leadership roles. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as India A captain should not be seen as an indication of him becoming India’s future ODI skipper.

Agarkar emphasised that the management has not held any discussions about leadership changes in the ODI setup. The immediate priorities remain the 2026 T20 World Cup and maintaining stability in the red-ball side. For the Test series, India will be led by Shubman Gill, with Ravindra Jadeja serving as vice-captain.

"I don't think we have discussed the ODI format yet. Shreyas is a senior player, he leads his franchise in IPL. He is one of the senior guys. He was captain of India A previously, doesn't mean we are looking at him as our Test captain. You're trying to find qualities of a leader in all lots of people. India A gives the opportunity," Agarkar said in the press conference.

"The statement on his red-ball career just came out, and that gives us a chance. He has been key in ODIs. He gets three games before we go to Australia. More than anything we want him to play well," he added.

India A & Rest of India squads out, Iyer to lead India A

Earlier, Iyer requested BCCI to take a break from red-ball cricket in order to manage his recurring back issues. He was instead handed the responsibility of leading India A in their three-match one-day series against Australia A in Kanpur, beginning September 30.

The timing of this move fuelled speculation that Iyer was being groomed as a potential successor to Rohit Sharma in the 50-over format. However, Agarkar dismissed such talk, stressing that Iyer is only one among several players being viewed as potential leaders for the future.

Many expected Iyer to return for the Caribbean Tests, particularly with Karun Nair failing to cement his place during the 2025 Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year. Instead, India chose to drop Nair and drafted in Devdutt Padikkal to the squad.

The India A side also features Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, who will join the squad after completing their Asia Cup commitments.