Mumbai: In a stunning move just a day before the Indian team selection for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, star batsman Shreyas Iyer has dropped a bombshell by requesting a break from Test and red-ball cricket.
The 30-year-old, considered a frontrunner for a comeback, informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) via email about his decision, citing persistent back pain and fatigue as the reasons for stepping away from the longer format.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Iyer, who has been battling back stiffness, told selectors his body isn’t ready for the gruelling demands of a five-day Test match. “I could manage the Ranji Trophy with breaks during four-day games, but Test cricket and India A commitments don’t allow that,” he reportedly explained.
Iyer, who last played a Test in 2024 against England before being dropped due to injury, aims to fully recover before returning to the format.
The Mumbai-born right-hander, with 811 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 37, also made headlines last year when he lost his BCCI central contract after skipping Ranji matches due to his injury. His sudden withdrawal from the second unofficial Test as India A captain against Australia A on September 22 further fuelled speculation, now clarified by his health concerns.
With the West Indies series starting October 2, Iyer’s absence leaves a gap in India’s middle order, raising questions about his Test future. Fans and selectors await his recovery, hoping the dynamic batsman can reclaim his spot in the red-ball arena.