The BCCI on Thursday announced India’s 15-member squad for the two home Tests against the West Indies, led by Shubman Gill, with senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja named vice-captain and Devdutt Padikkal making a return.
One of the notable absentees is
Shreyas Iyer. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed his unavailability, saying, “Shreyas is a senior player. He has led India A as well, and we are always looking to develop leadership qualities in multiple players. Unfortunately, he won’t be available because of his fitness. More than anything, we want him playing and playing well.”
Iyer is currently captaining the India A squad for three 50-over matches against Australia A in Kanpur starting September 30. He had led India A in the first unofficial four-day Test against Australia A but withdrew from the second, requesting a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to ongoing back concerns. The BCCI has 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.
Iyer first faced back issues in December 2022, which reoccurred during India’s home Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in March 2023. Following surgery in April 2023, he missed the IPL and was later dropped midway through India’s home series against England in February 2024.
Despite these setbacks, Iyer remains a key white-ball performer. He was India’s top scorer in the Champions Trophy earlier this year with 243 runs in five innings and led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final. The break will allow him to focus on fitness and white-ball preparations while the selectors manage his long-term workload.
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