India’s standout batter to take break from red-ball cricket

India’s key batting outlet, Shreyas Iyer will be taking a six-month break from red-ball cricket, a statement from the BCCI confirmed. This will include India's upcoming World Test Championship assignments against West Indies and South Africa at home.

Iyer was named skipper of the India A squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia A starting September 30.

The 30-year-old was not considered for selection in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup match against Vidarbha starting October 1 in Nagpur.

Stating the reason behind his absence, the BCCI statement read, “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 was recently in action for India A during the unofficial Test against the touring Australia A side. The right-handed batter scored 8 runs from his only outing in the match.

Previously, he also featured in the Duleep Trophy semi-final for West Zone, scoring 25 and 12 in the outing, his first in competitive cricket since IPL 2025.

Iyer, who was India’s standout performer at the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, has been recuperating from a back issue since the IPL earlier this summer.

Having missed out on recent red-ball assignments for India, Iyer has remained a batting mainstay for India in the 50-overs format, having been a key performer in their ICC Men's Cricket World Cup campaign back in 2023 as well.