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India's legendary batter and former men's selection committee chief Dilip Vengsarkar is unable to comprehend Shreyas Iyer's decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket, owing to his back issues. After the first unofficial Test against Australia A, the India A skipper Iyer opted out of the second game of the series. He requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a six-month break from red-ball cricket owing to his struggle to stay fit for the longest format. Vengsarkar feels that if Iyer can play One-Day cricket, he should be fit to play red-ball cricket as well.
“To be honest, it’s a dilemma for me, because he [Iyer] says that he is unfit for red-ball cricket, but is fit for the white-ball cricket. I don’t understand the difference between red-ball cricket and the white-ball cricket. I feel that if you are fit for white-ball cricket, you are obviously fit for red-ball cricket too. Choosing red-ball or white-ball and such things are beyond my comprehension,” the 69-year-old told Mid-Day.
Iyer was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup clash against Vidarbha and the two-Test series against West Indies. He hasn’t played Test cricket since England’s tour of India early in 2024.
BCCI's statement on Iyer's break from red-ball cricket
Here’s what the BCCI said in the press release while announcing the squad for three One-Day games against Australia A -
“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,” the BCCI press release said.
Iyer gets vice-captaincy role
Iyer was named captain of India A team which beat Australia A 2-1. He was also named new ODI captain Shubman Gill’s deputy for the Australia series, starting on October 19. He will make his first international appearance since ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He does not have a good ODI record in Australia, scoring 59 runs from three innings.
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