(Image source from: PTI)

Shreyas Iyer, currently one of the most talked-about cricket players in India, surprised everyone by stepping down as captain of India A just hours before a match against Australia A, and he also pulled out of the game. Initially, Iyer only mentioned 'personal reasons' as the cause for his last-minute withdrawal from the game. However, a new report has unveiled his discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee regarding his future in red-ball cricket. According to a report from the Indian Express, Iyer has informed the selectors that he is experiencing back stiffness, which is hindering his performance in red-ball cricket, a format that requires players to compete for 4-5 days. Iyer reportedly told the board that he cannot stay on the field for more than four days, which is why he has chosen to take a break until he feels fit to play this longer format.

The middle-order batsman even referenced a Ranji Trophy match he played last year, where he needed to take breaks frequently between overs. However, such breaks are not possible during India A matches or Test cricket. A source from BCCI informed the newspaper about Iyer's situation. "He has told us that he will take a break from red-ball cricket, and it's good that he has made this clear, so the selectors are now informed about his future. He won't be available for red-ball cricket in the coming months and has communicated to the board that he will evaluate his physical condition in consultation with the physiotherapists and trainer and decide from there," the source was quoted as saying. Iyer was reportedly in line to be selected for the India squad for the upcoming 2-match home Test series against West Indies, starting on October 02. His decision to withdraw from India A came just before the BCCI's meeting for selecting the squad for the series.