On September 25, 2025, Shreyas Iyer was officially named captain of the India ‘A’ team for a highly anticipated three-match one-day series against Australia ‘A’, kicking off in Kanpur from September 30. This significant appointment comes as Iyer takes a six-month hiatus from red-ball cricket to prioritize his recovery and build up his fitness, addressing a recurring back problem.
The India ‘A’ squad features a mix of promising and established talents. Alongside Iyer, key players include spin sensation Ravi Bishnoi, dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh, powerful all-rounder Riyan Parag, and emerging talent Ayush Badoni. Additionally, pacers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, currently with the senior squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE, are slated to join the India ‘A’ side for the second and third matches on October 3 and 5.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement clarifying Iyer’s decision. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained, “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.”
Saikia further elaborated on the rationale behind this move: “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.”
Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar has been chosen to lead the Rest of India squad for the prestigious Irani Cup, where they will face Vidarbha from October 1 in Nagpur.
India ‘A’ Squads:
For 1st One-Day Match: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (wicketkeeper), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh.
For 2nd and 3rd One-Day Matches: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (wicketkeeper), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.
Rest of India Squad (Irani Cup):
Rajat Patidar (captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (wicketkeeper), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vice-captain), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain.