Break from Test cricket: Set to miss red-ball series vs West Indies; India cricketer Shreyas Iyer writes to BCCI after quitting India-A captaincy

Digital Desk

Shreyas Iyer has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India and chief selector Ajit Agarkar that he wants to take a break from red-ball cricket, meaning Test and first-class cricket.

He made this call two days after withdrawing from the ongoing match between India-A and Australia-A in Lucknow and quitting the captaincy of the team.

Shreyas Iyer, will turn 31 in two months, spoke to chief selector Ajit Agarkar about his concerns. He said that he is finding it difficult to handle the pressure of long-format cricket and is experiencing back pain. That's why he withdrew his name from the India-A match.

Performance in Test Cricket

He has not returned to Test cricket since February 2024. Had played 14 Test matches, in which his only century came against New Zealand in his debut Test at Kanpur in 2021.

His performance in the Duleep Trophy was disappointing, where he scored 25 and 12 runs. After this, he could only manage 8 runs for India-A last week. He was in his best form in the previous domestic First Class season, where he was brilliant, and led the selectors to make him the India-A captain.

Big move before Test team selection

On September 24 Selectors are going to select the team for the two-match, home Test series against West Indies starting from 2 October in Ahmedabad. It was believed that selectors might give him a chance to return to Test cricket. Iyer has been out of the Test team since February 2024. However, after his latest decision, even the chances of Iyer being part of the West Indies series are over.

A permanent part of ODIs, Iyer still facing challenges in T20s

Iyer has secured his place in ODI cricket. This year, he performed excellently in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but failed to make a place in the T20 international team. However, he had average outings while facing fast and short balls on away pitches and poor performance in the home Test series against England in 2024. Eventually, selectors lost their confidence in the batter in the Test format.

Selectors may face challenge in middle order

Now selectors and team management face the challenge of the Test middle order being robust. Karun Nair is also in his best form, while Rishabh Pant is not available due to injury. In such a situation, it will be seen whether the selectors give a chance to Sarfaraz Khan.

Overall, this move by Iyer could significantly impact the Indian Test team's plans and strategies.