Shreyas Iyer took an unexpected decision just a few hours before the start of the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Lucknow that started on September 23. Iyer withdrew from the captaincy of India A before the game leaving the fans puzzled. Currently, the right-handed batsman is not a part of India A’s playing XI in the ongoing match in Lucknow.
Now, Shreyas Iyer wrote an official letter to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) after consultation with the Chief selector Ajit Agarkar. As reported by the Indian Express, Iyer has informed the BCCI that he wants to take a break from red ball cricket because of stiffness and fatigue issues in his back. The report further suggested that Iyer cannot be on the field
for more than four days and his body cannot take a toll of red-ball cricket.
Shreyas Iyer to miss red-ball cricket for upcoming months
Notably, Shreyas Iyer was reportedly in contention to get picked for the upcoming home Test series against West Indies starting from October 2. For that, Iyer was also appointed as captain of India A for the two unofficial Test matches against Australia A so that he gets match practice getting selected in the Indian Test team. However, as now Iyer has requested to take break from red-ball cricket, he is likely to miss all the red-ball assignments in international and domestic cricket for the next few months.
“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 was quoted a saying by Indian Express.
