Mumbai : Even as Shreyas Iyer took a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to back issues after pulling out from India ‘A’s ongoing second unofficial Test against Australia ‘A’, the national selectors have reposed faith in the middle-order batter’s ability in the 50-over format. On Thursday, the BCCI, while confirming that Iyer asked for a break, announced that the 30-year-old will captain India ‘A’ in the upcoming one-day series against Australia ‘A’ in Kanpur from Sept 30 to Oct 5.The announcement came just before India’s Test squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies, in which the Mumbaikar was tipped to make a comeback, was declared. Iyer had recurring back issues and underwent surgery in the UK in 2023. After Iyer withdrew from India ‘A’s second unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow, vice-captain Dhruv Jurel had stepped in to lead the side.Earlier, on Sept 14, the BCCI announced that Rajat Patidar would lead India ‘A’ in the first One-day game against Australia ‘A’, and Tilak Varma would lead in the subsequent games. However, Patidar has now been asked to lead the Rest of India side in the Irani Cup clash against Ranji champions Vidarbha in Nagpur from Oct 1.“Iyer 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 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. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup,” the BCCI statement said.In Dubai, chief selector Ajit Agarkar was asked if Iyer is seen as the next ODI captain. “I don’t think we have discussed the 50-over format. Shreyas is a senior player. He obviously leads his franchise in IPL cricket. We are trying to find qualities of a leader in a lot of people and India A gives us an opportunity to see if somebody has that ability,” Agarkar said.
