Why did Shreyas Iyer took six month break from red ball cricket? BCCI confirms

By Rohit - Sep 25, 2025 01:53 PM
Last updated on Sep 25, 2025 01:54 PM

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially approved Shreyas Iyer’s request for a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Fans have been wondering: why did Shreyas Iyer took six month break from red ball cricket? The answer lies in a mix of recurring back issues, fitness management, and his long-term cricketing aspirations. According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, Iyer wishes to use this period to build endurance, body resilience, and focus on his overall fitness.

BCCI’s confirmation and Iyer’s request

Shreyas Iyer formally emailed the BCCI requesting a break from red-ball cricket, citing concerns about recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format. The board accepted his request and excluded him from the ongoing Irani Cup and other domestic red-ball fixtures.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified in a statement that Iyer has been managing his recovery after back surgery in the UK, but the strain of red-ball cricket has once again triggered discomfort. “He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness,” Saikia confirmed.

This development means that Iyer, who captained India A in the first four-day match against Australia A, will miss the second game as well as the prestigious Irani Cup clash between Rest of India and Vidarbha.

The background: A history of back problems

Shreyas Iyer’s back issues first emerged in December 2022 and resurfaced during the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy in March 2023. The injury forced him into surgery in April 2023, sidelining him from the IPL that season.

Despite a successful comeback later that year in the Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final, the back trouble never fully went away. He occasionally skipped Mumbai’s first-class matches and even found himself out of the BCCI central contracts list in February 2024 due to his absence from red-ball commitments.

Although reinstated the following year, the concern over workload and long-format participation has lingered. This six-month break appears to be a proactive step to manage his fitness better.

Recent form across formats

Before requesting his red-ball break, Iyer had featured in the Duleep Trophy semi-final in September 2025, scoring 25 and 12 for West Zone. He later played in the India A vs Australia A first four-day game in Lucknow, managing just 8 runs in his only innings before pulling out of the series.

In contrast, his limited-overs form has been exceptional. Earlier this year, Iyer was India’s highest run-getter in the Champions Trophy, scoring 243 runs in five innings, including crucial knocks that helped secure the title. In the IPL 2025, he led the Punjab Kings to the final, proving his leadership and batting prowess in high-pressure situations.

These performances underline the paradox: while Iyer continues to shine in white-ball cricket, red-ball demands are proving harder to manage with his current physical condition.

Why red-ball cricket became difficult?

The longer format places sustained stress on the body, especially for batters who spend hours at the crease or in the field. For someone with a surgically repaired back, the prolonged spells of batting, combined with travel and fielding demands, can aggravate stiffness and spasms.

By taking a structured six-month break, Iyer can avoid worsening his condition. His plan focuses on strengthening core muscles, improving flexibility, and building the stamina required to sustain multi-day cricket in the future. This approach aligns with modern workload management strategies used by cricketers worldwide.

What’s next for Shreyas Iyer?

During his six-month break, Iyer will work with fitness trainers, physiotherapists, and medical specialists to rebuild his body for the rigors of Test cricket. The goal is not just to recover but to ensure sustainable performance without recurring setbacks.

Ultimately, if this break helps extend Iyer’s career by several more years at the top level, it will be seen as a smart and timely decision.

Conclusion

So, why did Shreyas Iyer took six month break from red ball cricket? The answer lies in his battle with recurring back issues, his determination to rebuild fitness, and a long-term vision for his career. By prioritizing recovery and endurance over immediate selection, Iyer is making a calculated move to safeguard both his health and his future with the Indian cricket team.

His absence from red-ball cricket may be a short-term loss, but if it allows him to return stronger and more consistent, Indian cricket stands to gain in the long run.

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