In a significant development for Indian cricket, Shreyas Iyer has received official approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India to take a six-month sabbatical from red-ball cricket. The decision comes as the talented middle-order batsman continues to struggle with persistent back problems that have plagued his career since 2022.
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Shreyas Iyer’s Official Communication to BCCI
The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development on Thursday morning, stating that Shreyas Iyer “has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket.”
The announcement followed Iyer’s email to the board expressing concerns about his back condition and its impact on his ability to sustain the physical demands of longer-format cricket.
| Break Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Six months from September 2025 |
| Formats Affected | Test cricket and first-class matches |
| Primary Reason | Recurring back spasms and stiffness |
| BCCI Decision | Approved and supported |
| Recovery Focus | Building endurance and body resilience |
| Immediate Impact | Excluded from Irani Cup squad |
“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,” Saikia wrote in the official press statement. This decision reflects both Iyer’s proactive approach to his health and the BCCI’s understanding of player welfare concerns.
The Journey Behind Shreyas Iyer’s Decision
Shreyas Iyer’s request for a break stems from a complex medical history that began during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in March 2023. An impinged nerve caused by a bulged disc in the lower back area on the right side has troubled Iyer ever since he returned from the Bangladesh series in December 2022.
The 29-year-old batsman’s struggles intensified during the fourth Test against Australia in Ahmedabad, where he complained of back pain and was unable to come out for batting in the first innings. Subsequently, he was ruled out of the series and traveled to the UK for back surgery in April 2023, missing the entire IPL 2023 season and the World Test Championship final.
Despite making a remarkable comeback during the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, where he was instrumental in India’s campaigns, the persistent back issues continued to affect his red-ball participation. His recent performances in the India A match against Australia A and the Duleep Trophy semi-final for West Zone reflected his ongoing struggles with consecutive low scores.
BCCI’s Supportive Stance on Player Welfare
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has demonstrated commendable understanding of Shreyas Iyer’s situation, prioritizing long-term player health over immediate selection concerns. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia’s statement emphasized that Iyer “wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness.”
| BCCI Central Contracts History | Status |
|---|---|
| February 2024 | Omitted from central contracts |
| Reason for Omission | Skipped first-class matches for Mumbai |
| 2025 | Reinstated in central contracts |
| Current Status | Contract maintained during break |
This supportive approach marks a significant evolution in the BCCI’s player management philosophy. The board’s willingness to approve a six-month break while maintaining Iyer’s contracted status demonstrates their commitment to sustainable cricket careers rather than short-term gains.
Impact on Immediate Cricket Calendar
Shreyas Iyer’s decision to step away from red-ball cricket has immediate implications for India’s domestic and international cricket schedule. As a result of his decision, the selectors did not consider him for the Rest of India squad for the upcoming Irani Cup against Vidarbha, scheduled to be played in Nagpur from October 1.
The timing of this break also affects his availability for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, where he was previously considered a strong contender for inclusion. His withdrawal from the India A squad, where he was initially named captain for the unofficial Test series against Australia A, further underscores the severity of his physical concerns.
However, significantly, Shreyas Iyer will continue to lead the India A side in the three-match one-day series against Australia A, beginning September 30 in Kanpur. This selective participation demonstrates his ability to manage limited-overs cricket while prioritizing his long-term red-ball fitness.
Career Statistics and Test Cricket Legacy
Shreyas Iyer’s Test career, though brief, has been marked by significant achievements despite the persistent injury concerns. Since making his Test debut in 2021, Iyer has accumulated 811 runs at an average of 36.86 in 14 Test matches, including one century and five fifties, with a highest score of 105.
| Test Career Highlights | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Debut | November 2021 vs New Zealand |
| Matches Played | 14 Tests |
| Runs Scored | 811 runs |
| Batting Average | 36.86 |
| Centuries | 1 |
| Half-Centuries | 5 |
| Highest Score | 105 |
| Unique Achievement | Century and fifty in debut Test |
His debut against New Zealand was particularly memorable, as he became the first Indian player to score a century in his debut Test match and a half-century in the second innings. This remarkable achievement showcased his potential in the longest format, making his current struggles with injury all the more significant for Indian cricket.
Limited-Overs Success and Leadership Credentials
While Shreyas Iyer focuses on recovering from his red-ball struggles, his limited-overs career continues to flourish. His recent performances have been exemplary, particularly during India’s successful Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, where he was the team’s leading run-scorer with 243 runs in five innings.
His leadership credentials received validation through his captaincy of Kolkata Knight Riders, leading them to their third IPL title in 2024. Despite being released by KKR ahead of the 2025 mega auction, he successfully transitioned to leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, demonstrating his tactical acumen and adaptability.
Medical Management and Recovery Process
Shreyas Iyer’s approach to managing his back condition reflects modern sports medicine principles of proactive injury management. PTI understands that Shreyas will now head to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further evaluation of his back and for the recovery process.
The comprehensive recovery plan focuses on multiple aspects:
Physical Rehabilitation: Building core strength and spinal stability to support long-format cricket demands
Endurance Training: Developing the stamina necessary for extended periods of fielding and batting
Pain Management: Addressing recurring spasms and stiffness through targeted treatment protocols
Biomechanical Assessment: Analyzing and correcting any movement patterns that may contribute to back stress
Expert Commentary on the Decision
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has weighed in on Shreyas Iyer’s decision, providing valuable perspective on the challenges facing the middle-order batsman. “It doesn’t surprise me in the least, because I think there was a space open for him and for a player of his caliber. He’s a very, very good player at number six, but I’m not sure he wanted it badly enough, or whether his body was allowing him to want it badly enough, because post his back surgery wasn’t the same,” Bhogle said to Cricbuzz.
This analysis highlights the complex interplay between physical limitations and career ambitions that Iyer must navigate. The expert commentary suggests that while Iyer possesses the technical skills for Test cricket, his body’s limitations may be dictating his career trajectory.
Comparison with Similar Career Decisions
Shreyas Iyer’s decision mirrors that of Hardik Pandya, who also took a strategic break from Test cricket to focus on limited-overs formats while managing injury concerns. This trend reflects the increasing specialization in modern cricket, where players prioritize formats that best suit their physical capabilities and career longevity.
The BCCI’s acceptance of such decisions indicates a mature approach to player management, recognizing that sustainable careers often require format-specific focus rather than forcing players into all-format participation despite physical limitations.
Future Prospects and Career Trajectory
While Shreyas Iyer’s immediate focus remains on recovery and rehabilitation, his future in Indian cricket appears secure in limited-overs formats. His continued leadership role in the India A ODI series against Australia A suggests that the BCCI views him as a valuable asset in white-ball cricket.
The six-month timeline provides a realistic framework for comprehensive recovery, potentially allowing him to reassess his red-ball participation by early 2026. However, the decision ultimately rests on his physical response to treatment and his personal comfort level with the demands of longer-format cricket.
His marketability remains strong with 11.6 million Instagram followers and endorsements from brands like CEAT, BoAt, Google Pixel, Manyavar, Dream11, and Myprotein, ensuring financial stability during his recovery period.
Read More: Dinesh Karthik Named Captain for Team India in Hong Kong Sixes 2025
FAQs
How long will Shreyas Iyer be away from red-ball cricket?
Shreyas Iyer has taken a six-month break from red-ball cricket, starting from September 2025. The BCCI has approved this decision to allow him to focus on building endurance, body resilience, and overall fitness.
What specific back problems is Shreyas Iyer facing?
Iyer has been experiencing recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing longer-format cricket. His issues stem from an impinged nerve caused by a bulged disc in the lower back area, for which he underwent surgery in the UK in April 2023.
Will Shreyas Iyer continue playing limited-overs cricket during his red-ball break?
Yes, Iyer will continue to participate in limited-overs cricket. He has been named captain of the India A team for the three-match ODI series against Australia A, beginning September 30 in Kanpur.
How has the BCCI responded to Shreyas Iyer’s request for a break?
The BCCI has been fully supportive of Iyer’s decision. Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board’s approval, emphasizing that they understand his need to prioritize long-term fitness and recovery over immediate participation.
What impact does this decision have on Shreyas Iyer’s central contract with BCCI?
Despite taking the break, Iyer retains his BCCI central contract. He was reinstated to the contracted players list in 2025 after being omitted in February 2024, and the board has maintained his contract status during this recovery period.
