The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday confirmed that Shreyas Iyer has taken a six-month break from red-ball cricket, citing a back problem. He has been left out of the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup. Instead, he will be leading India A in three unofficial 50-over matches against Australia A.
Iyer was named captain for the two four-day games against Australia in Lucknow. However, after playing the first match, he returned to Mumbai. Since then, there has been speculation regarding his red-ball future. As reported earlier by RevSportz, Iyer informed the BCCI of his break.
The board has now confirmed the same, stating: “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. He wishes to utilise 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.”
Two squads have been named for the three unofficial 50-over matches. For the first match, a host of uncapped players have been included. For the final two games, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh will join the team in Kanpur. All four players are currently in Dubai for the Asia Cup.
The Rest of India squad will be led by Rajat Patidar, who recently captained Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy title. After scoring centuries in the Buchi Babu Trophy and the Duleep Trophy, Ruturaj Gaikwad has forced his way back into the squad. He has also been named vice-captain of the team.
Akash Deep’s inclusion means he is set to miss the West Indies Tests, as will Abhimanyu Easwaran and Anshul Kamboj.
Ishan Kishan also returns to the fold. The wicketkeeper-batter has not played any form of cricket since sustaining an injury in the UK.
India A squad for 1st one-day match against Australia A: Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh.
India A squad for 2nd and 3rd one-day matches against Australia A:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.
Rest of India squad for Irani Cup: Rajat Patidar (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain.
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz