The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has tweaked the India A squad to face Australia A for three 50-over matches. Earlier, assumptions were made that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could feature in the List-A format. However, last week, the BCCI named the squads, with Rajat Patidar and Tilak Varma as leaders. Now, Shreyas Iyer has been included not just a player but as a captain for all the three matches. Kanpur will host the three one-day games on September 30, October 3 and October 5.
BCCI confirms Shreyas Iyer’s break from red-ball cricket
A couple of days ago, news broke about Shreyas Iyer seeking a break from red-ball cricket. The rigorous stress of four-day cricket seemed to take a toll on his body, which has had a a history of stiffness and back issues. Now, the BCCI has accepted his decision. This has ultimately ruled Iyer out of not only the Rest of India squad but also from the contention of the India vs West Indies Tests. Shreyas has mentioned that his body can’t take the toll of first-class cricket and demands rest. He told BCCI that he was able to play the last season of the Ranji Trophy by taking breaks.
Instead, the selection committee has included Iyer in the India A squad, as the Mumbai batter remains integral to India’s one-day international plans. Iyer is one of the most improved white-ball cricketers in the country, having done remarkably well at the ODI World Cup 2023 and at the ODI Champions Trophy 2025.
Rajat Patidar rewarded for incredible showings
Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar, the captain, has taken another step. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) leader, who recently guided Central Zone to a magnificent Duleep Trophy triumph, has been made the captain for the Rest of India (ROI). The ROI will take on the Ranji Trophy champs, Vidarbha, in the one-off game in Nagpur.
Due to this, Patidar has been removed from the India A team. He was initially slated to lead in the first game and was Tilak Varma’s deputy for the remaining two fixtures. The ROI squad also involves Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj, meaning all these players won’t be selected for the upcoming Test squad to face the Windies, starting October 2.
India A squads to face Australia A
India A squad for 1st one-day match: Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh
India A squad for 2nd and 3rd one-day matches: Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Verma (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh
Rest of India squd for Irani Cup
Rajat Patidar (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain
BCCI’s statement on Shreyas Iyer
Note: Mr Shreyas Iyer has 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 has 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.
India A vs Australia A (50-over series) schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 30, Tue | India A vs Australia A, 1st Unofficial ODI | Green Park, Kanpur | 09:00 AM |
| Oct 03, Fri | India A vs Australia A, 2nd Unofficial ODI | Green Park, Kanpur | 09:00 AM |
| Oct 05, Sun | India A vs Australia A, 3rd Unofficial ODI | Green Park, Kanpur | 09:00 AM |
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Will Gambhir try Rishabh Pant or Nitish Reddy in IND vs SA 3rd ODI with series on the line?
Top Stories
