Mumbai: Shreyas Iyer to Lead India ‘A’ Squad
Mumbai: Despite recently taking a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to recurring back problems, Shreyas Iyer is set to lead India ‘A’ in the upcoming one-day series against Australia ‘A’. The national selectors have clearly maintained their confidence in the middle-order batter’s 50-over capabilities.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Thursday that the 30-year-old would captain the side for the series, which runs from September 30 to October 5 in Kanpur, while also acknowledging Iyer’s request for a break from longer formats.
This significant announcement came just before India’s Test squad for the home series against West Indies was declared, where Iyer was widely expected to make a comeback. Iyer has a history of recurring back issues, having undergone surgery in the UK in 2023. Following his withdrawal from India ‘A’s second unofficial Test against Australia ‘A’ in Lucknow, vice-captain Dhruv Jurel had taken over leadership duties.
Previously, on September 14, the BCCI had announced that Rajat Patidar would lead India ‘A’ in the first One-Day game, with Tilak Varma stepping in for subsequent matches. However, Patidar has now been re-assigned to captain the Rest of India side in the Irani Cup clash against Ranji champions Vidarbha in Nagpur, starting October 1.
BCCI Statement and Selector’s Confidence
“Iyer 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 recently experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format. He wishes to utilize 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 statement clarified.
In Dubai, chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the media regarding Iyer’s captaincy, stating, “I don’t think we have discussed the 50-over format (for future national captaincy). Shreyas is a senior player. He obviously leads his franchise in IPL cricket. We are trying to find qualities of a leader in a lot of people and India ‘A’ gives us an opportunity to see if somebody has that ability.”