New Delhi: Shreyas Iyer’s anticipated return to the Indian Test team has encountered another setback as he will miss India A’s second unofficial Test match against Australia A, which begins on September 23 in Lucknow, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
The Mumbai batter has reportedly withdrawn from the upcoming match at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium due to personal reasons. Iyer served as captain for the two red-ball matches against Australia A. While he led the team in the initial match held in Lucknow from September 15 to 19, he reportedly returned to Mumbai following that game. The specific reasons for his withdrawal from the next match remain unclear.
The report further indicates that Iyer has notified the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding his absence due to personal reasons.
Iyer Positioned for Test Return
Shreyas Iyer was viewed as a strong candidate for a Test comeback, having been appointed captain for the two unofficial Tests against Australia. India is scheduled to face West Indies in a two-match Test series starting October 2. The squad for this series is expected to be announced on September 24, coinciding with the second day of the unofficial Test between India A and Australia A.
Iyer last played a Test match for India in early 2024 during a home series against England. His exclusion from the T20 Asia Cup squad has drawn considerable attention and sparked discussions among cricket experts.
Leadership Change for India A
In Iyer’s absence, either Dhruv Jurel or Rajat Patidar is likely to assume leadership of the India A side for the second match. Jurel, serving as vice-captain for the two red-ball games, is currently in line to lead, while Patidar did not originally feature in the squad. He has been appointed captain for the first of two one-day matches against Australia A that follow the unofficial Test series. The opener between India A and Australia A ended in a draw.
Notably, Indian internationals KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj are slated to participate in the second unofficial Test.
India A Squad for the 2nd Unofficial Test Against Australia A: Abhimanyu Easwaran, N Jagadeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (VC & WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Harsh Dubey, Ayush Badoni, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Manav Suthar, Yash Thakur, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj.
