**Shreyas Iyer Requests Break from Red-Ball Cricket Due to Health Concerns**
*By Parth Dhall | September 23, 2025, 10:21 PM*
In a significant development for Indian cricket, batter Shreyas Iyer has formally requested a break from red-ball cricket, citing persistent back stiffness and fatigue. According to a report by *The Indian Express*, Iyer has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressing his need to step away from the longer formats until his body is fully recovered.
This decision follows his recent withdrawal from the second unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow, where he was expected to lead India A as captain.
**Health Issues Impacting Performance**
Shreyas Iyer’s ongoing health struggles have been a major concern. The batsman reportedly told the BCCI that he finds it challenging to stay on the field for more than four days at a stretch. While he managed to take occasional breaks during last season’s Ranji Trophy matches, he highlighted that such breaks are not feasible during official Test matches or for India A fixtures.
As a result, Iyer has decided to pause his involvement in red-ball cricket until he can consistently play without physical hindrances.
**Iyer to Miss Upcoming West Indies Test Series**
A reliable source revealed, “Iyer won’t be playing red-ball cricket in the coming months. He has informed the board that he will evaluate his condition in consultation with physios and trainers before making any future decisions.”
This development means that Iyer will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. The batsman, who had also missed the England tour, was previously considered a strong contender for the Windies series.
**Recent Form and Performances**
Iyer’s recent outings with the red ball have been underwhelming. In the first unofficial Test against Australia A, he managed only 8 runs off 13 balls. Earlier this month, during the Duleep Trophy semi-final representing West Zone, he scored 25 and 12 against Central Zone.
Despite a strong performance in the ICC Champions Trophy and the Indian Premier League, Iyer was notably left out of the Asia Cup squad.
**Red-Ball Career Overview**
Shreyas Iyer has played 14 Test matches for India, accumulating one century and five half-centuries. However, his last appearance in Test cricket was in February 2024 against England.
He had temporarily lost his central contract last year after missing the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals. On a positive note, Iyer finished the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy season with an impressive 480 runs at an average of 68.57.
Overall, he has scored 6,578 runs in 240 first-class matches, maintaining a batting average of 34.08.
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Shreyas Iyer’s decision to step back from red-ball cricket highlights the physical challenges faced by modern cricketers. Fans and the cricketing community will be keenly watching his recovery and eventual return to the longer formats.
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