MUMBAI: Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of the India A squad for three 50-over games against Australia A, while Rajat Patidar will captain the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup, as the senior men’s selection committee announced the respective squads on Thursday.
India A will play their matches in Kanpur starting from September 30, while the Irani Cup will be played against Vidarbha, the champions of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, in Nagpur from October 1.
Iyer was the India A captain in the first unofficial four-day Test against Australia A, but withdrew from the second, requesting a six-month break from red-ball cricket from the BCCI due to concerns about his back, and the board has now approved his request.
"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.
"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, " the BCCI said in a statement on Thursday.
Iyer experienced back problems in December 2022, and the injury reoccurred during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at home in March 2023. Following this, he underwent surgery in April and missed the IPL that year. He was also dropped midway through India’s home series against England in February 2024.