India A captain Shreyas Iyer is set to miss the second unofficial Test against Australia A. Iyer has informed the selectors about his decision and left Lucknow to return home ahead of the second game which is scheduled to start on September 23.
As per a report by TOI, Iyer who has not scored big runs in red-ball cricket since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, continues in contention for a spot for the middle order for the two-Test series against West Indies.
"Yes, Shreyas is taking a break and has returned to Mumbai. He has informed the selectors that he won't be able to play in the second four-day match against Australia A. However, he remains in fray for a spot in the middle-order when the selectors meet to pick the squad for the West Indies series," a source told the English daily.
Iyer’s replacement as captain is yet to be named. The captaincy candidate in the team are Abhimanyu Easwaran, Dhruv Jurel and a few others. Jurel was named captain of Central Zone before he was ruled out due to dengue. Jurel is highly likely to lead India A in the second game.
Batters dominate opening four-day game, 4 centuries scored
In the first four-day game of the series against Nathan McSweeney-led Australia A, Iyer could not contribute with the bat. He scored eight runs from 13 balls. He was dismissed lbw by off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli.
The game ended in a draw. Batters from both sides dominated. Sam Konstas and Josh Philippe scored centuries whereas Campbell Kellaway, Cooper Connolly and Liam Scott crossed the fifty-run mark. McSweeney declared after Australia A posted 532/6.
In response, India A posted 531/7 on the board from 141.1 overs before Iyer declared. Devdutt Padikkal (150) and Jurel (140) scored centuries whereas Narayan Jagadeesan and Sai Sudharsan contributed with fifties.
When will Test squad for West Indies series be announced?
The squad for the two-Test series against Roston Chase-led West Indies is set to be announced on either September 23 or 24, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Devajit Saikia confirmed on September 21.
“The selection for the Indian Test team for the upcoming Test series against West Indies will be done on Sept 23 or 24… selection meeting will be online," Saikia told the reporters.