Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has given the BCCI a major update. He wrote to the board informing them that he is taking a break from red-ball cricket for some time.
The reason is his back problem and fatigue, which is preventing him from playing the longer format.
Iyer was named captain of India A against Australia A, but he withdrew from the second unofficial Test that began in Lucknow.
Iyer’s back problem adds to his difficulties
Iyer informed the BCCI and the selection committee that he is unable to stay on the field for more than four days due to back stiffness.
He wrote in the email, “I am experiencing back stiffness and my body is not ready to play red-ball cricket at the moment.”
Because of this, he wants to take a break from red-ball cricket until his body is fully prepared.
Iyer also said that he took breaks intermittently during last year’s Ranji Trophy, but that is not possible for Test cricket or India A.
According to sources, Iyer has made it clear to the selectors that he will not play red-ball cricket for the next few months. He will work on his fitness with his physio and trainer and will decide later when to return.
A source said, “He has informed us that he will take a break from red-ball cricket, and it’s good that he has clarified this as the selectors now have clarity about his future.”
Injury Problems Before
This isn’t the first time Iyer has been troubled by back problems. Last year, he was ruled out of the India vs. England series due to injury. At that time, his withdrawal from the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals also caused controversy.
Iyer had reported back pain to the Mumbai Cricket Association, but the then-head of the National Cricket Academy, Nitin Patel, wrote in an email,
“As per the handover report after the second Test against England, Shreyas Iyer was fit and available for selection. There is no report of any fresh injury since his departure from Team India.”
Iyer recently performed brilliantly for the Punjab Kings in the IPL, but was overlooked for the Asia Cup.
He is now prioritizing his fitness and hopes to return soon.
