India batter Shreyas Iyer has reportedly withdrawn from the second unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow, citing personal reasons. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Iyer has left the squad and returned to Mumbai. The match is part of the ongoing India A vs Australia A series, which serves as a platform for players to push for national selection.
Iyer Misses Crucial Opportunity Ahead of West Indies Series
Shreyas Iyer was expected to use this series to make a strong case for selection in the Indian squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies. He was even named captain for the unofficial Tests, highlighting the management’s trust in his leadership and experience. However, his sudden withdrawal has come as a surprise to many, especially considering the high stakes involved.
In the first unofficial Test, Iyer had a disappointing outing, scoring just 8 runs in his only innings. The match ended in a draw, giving him limited opportunity to showcase his form. With his exit from the second match, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has been handed the captaincy duties.
The absence of Iyer could affect his chances of making a comeback to the national Test side, especially as other contenders are stepping up. Notably, KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj, who missed the first unofficial Test, have been named in the playing XI for the second game, suggesting India is testing combinations with an eye on future series.
Left Out of Asia Cup 2025 Despite Strong IPL Season
Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the Asia Cup 2025 squad raised eyebrows, particularly after a stellar season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he led Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final. His leadership and consistency with the bat were key highlights of PBKS’s campaign, making his non-selection all the more puzzling.
In his 14-Test career so far, Iyer has scored 811 runs at an average of 36.86, including one century and five fifties. However, he has not featured in a Test match for India since February 2024, largely due to injuries and competition for middle-order spots.
This latest development might further delay his return to red-ball cricket, and it remains to be seen how selectors view his recent absence and overall form.
