![Shreyas Iyer's red ball career [Source: @KKRWeRule/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1758707059327_shreyas_iyer (2).jpg)
Shreyas Iyer's red ball career [Source: @KKRWeRule/X.com]
Shreyas Iyer’s potential return to India’s red-ball setup had fans excited. The 29-year-old, who last played Test cricket against England in 2024, was in contention for India’s upcoming two-Test home series against the West Indies.
However, Iyer has reportedly informed the BCCI that he will be taking a break from red-ball cricket due to ongoing stiffness and fatigue in his back.
According to reports, Iyer withdrew from the second unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow earlier this week. After discussions with selectors and BCCI chairman Ajit Agarkar, he formalised his decision in writing.
Sources reveal that Iyer struggles to stay on the field for more than four consecutive days, making it difficult to meet the demands of first-class cricket. Even in his last Ranji Trophy appearance, he needed frequent breaks, something impossible at the international level.
A Missed Opportunity For Shreyas Iyer
Iyer was appointed captain of India A for the series against Australia A, which would have given him a chance to stake his claim for the West Indies series. His absence now casts doubt over his red-ball future.
Despite his strong IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, where his aggressive batting drew praise, he was overlooked for the Asia Cup squad, adding to the uncertainty around his place in the team.
India’s Middle-Order Dynamics After Virat Kohli's Retirement
Since Virat Kohli’s retirement, India’s middle order has been in flux, with multiple contenders vying for spots. Shreyas Iyer, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, and Devdutt Paddikkal had emerged as potential options. With Rishabh Pant ruled out due to a foot injury, opportunities have opened for younger talents.
Dhruv Jurel has been impressive, scoring 140 runs in the first unofficial Test against Australia A and contributing a solid 53 in the fifth Test against England during Pant’s absence. Devdutt Paddikkal has also shown promise in red-ball cricket, scoring 150 against Australia A in the same series, indicating India has capable replacements ready to step up.
Veteran all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar provide stability and experience in the middle order, reducing the dependency on Iyer.
Shreyas Iyer’s form in red-ball cricket
Since his Test debut in 2021 against New Zealand, Iyer has played 14 matches, scoring 811 runs, including one century and five fifties. However, his recent form has been inconsistent. In 2023, he scored 79 runs in six innings, and in 2024, he scored 108 runs in six innings.
His 2025 domestic season was also underwhelming, with just 37 runs in two innings in the Duleep Trophy and eight runs in one innings during the India A series.
While Iyer’s experience and temperament in Tests are valuable, India’s current middle order has the depth and talent to cope without him. The team’s strong performances in the recent England series, which ended in a 2-2 draw, demonstrate that India can remain competitive even with emerging players filling key roles.
Players like Jurel and Paddikkal now have the opportunity to cement their places, while the all-rounders in the lineup provide balance and versatility as Gautam Gambhir wants more dimensional players in the setup. In this context, Iyer’s absence, though unfortunate for him personally, is unlikely to destabilize the team or significantly weaken India’s prospects against the West Indies.
Conclusion
India’s middle order has been performing well despite transitions. With Jadeja, Axar, and Reddy in form, the team has proven capable of handling challenges without Iyer.
In conclusion, while Shreyas Iyer’s absence is unfortunate for the batter and fans who were hoping for his return, India’s depth and recent performances suggest that it is not a major loss for the side.
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