Shreyas Iyer will lead India A in the three-match one-day series against Australia in Kanpur starting September 30. The 30-year-old will step away from red-ball cricket for six months after recurring back spasms despite recovering from surgery earlier this year.
India A squad for first ODI
The squad for the opening match includes 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, and Simarjeet Singh.
India A squad for second and third ODIs
For the next two matches, Tilak Varma joins as vice-captain. The squad features 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, and Arshdeep Singh.
BCCI update on Iyer’s break
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Iyer’s decision to pause red-ball cricket. He explained that Iyer managed his recovery well after surgery in the UK but suffered spasms and stiffness again. The break will help him focus on endurance, strength, and overall fitness.
Irani Cup absence
Iyer will miss the Irani Cup clash between Rest of India and Vidarbha from October 1 to 5 in Nagpur. He has played 14 Tests, scoring 811 runs at an average of 36.86. Rajat Patidar will lead the Rest of India squad, with Ruturaj Gaikwad as vice-captain.
Fans’ reactions to his decision
Fans are split on Iyer’s call. Some back him, stressing the need for fitness, while others question it since he was recently seen as a successor to Rohit Sharma in ODIs. Comparisons with Ishan Kishan’s break from BCCI commitments have also surfaced.
Leadership chance with India A
By captaining India A, Iyer stays active in white-ball cricket, continues his fitness program, and gains more leadership experience. This role keeps him in contention for a future spot in India’s senior ODI side.
