India’s middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer was named India A captain for the three One-Dayers against Australia A at home. With transition on the horizon for the India ODI team, there are a few names which cane be considered as Rohit Sharma’s successor as captain, including Test skipper Shubman Gill. There were reports that Iyer is another candidate for the role. Addressing the questions around the next ODI captain, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that India A is an opportunity to see the ability of a player as the next leader.
“I don’t think we’ve discussed the 50-over format. At the moment we’ve to pick team for these two Test matches. Shreyas is a senior player, obviously leads his franchise in IPL cricket. He’s one of the senior guys, he has led India A. We’re trying to find qualities of a leader in a lot of people. India A gives us an opportunity to see if somebody has that ability,” Agarkar said in a press conference in Dubai on September 25 to announce the Test squad for West Indies series at home.
Iyer was not considered for the Test series as he has asked for a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to lower back spasms. He remains dedicated to play white-ball cricket. He has been named India A captain, replacing Rajat Patidar and Tilak Varma. Agarkar recognises that Iyer is a key player who India need on the Australia tour.
“A statement was put out regarding his fitness in red-ball cricket (that) he won’t be available and that gives us a chance. He’s been a key player in one-day cricket over the last few years. He gets three games before we go to Australia. More than anything we want him playing and play well because he becomes a key member in the one-day squad,” he added.
Iyer’s chance to improve ODI numbers in Australia
India’s squad for the Australia white-ball series is yet to be announced. The three-ODI series will start on October 14 at Perth Stadium. It will also mark the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit.
Iyer doesn't have much experience in ODIs on Australian soil. From three ODIs, he has 59 runs. After scoring most runs for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, he will have a chance to register his first major score on Australian soil.