On September 24, 2025, Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer made headlines by reportedly requesting a break from red-ball cricket, as confirmed by sources cited in reports from Moneycontrol, NDTV Sports, and Livemint. 

The middle-order batter, who captained India A in their first unofficial Test against Australia A, left the team’s camp in Lucknow just hours before the second four-day match. This sudden departure has sparked discussions about his future in Test cricket.

Iyer’s decision stems from ongoing fitness issues, reportedly linked to a back injury that required surgery in 2023 following the ODI World Cup. The injury, which Iyer described in a GQ India interview as having "paralysed" one of his legs, seems to have resurfaced, causing discomfort during the Duleep Trophy and the first India A match. 

After scoring only 8 runs before being dismissed LBW in the drawn encounter, Iyer consulted with BCCI physios and India A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar. He subsequently wrote to the BCCI, requesting a hiatus from red-ball engagements to focus on regaining fitness for multi-day formats.

While Iyer has not ruled out a return to Test cricket, his immediate focus appears to be on recovery and limited-overs cricket. 

Sources indicate he remains available for India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia, comprising three ODIs and five T20Is from October 19 to November 8. This shift raises questions about his participation in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season and his long-term Test career.

Dhruv Jurel, Iyer’s deputy, has taken over as India A captain for the second Test, with no replacement for Iyer announced yet. Despite his stellar performance in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, where he was India’s highest run-scorer with 243 runs, Iyer’s recent struggles in red-ball cricket have fueled speculation. 

Could this break mark a permanent pivot to white-ball formats, or will Iyer return stronger to reclaim his spot in India’s Test lineup? Only time will tell.