Former India batsman Dilip Vengsarkar has openly questioned Shreyas Iyer’s decision to step away from red-ball cricket. The ex-chief selector expressed his confusion over how Iyer is considered fit for white-ball matches but not for the longer format. Iyer, who has appeared in 14 Tests since his debut in November 2021, was granted a break from red-ball cricket by the BCCI after requesting it.
The 30-year-old made the request ahead of the second four-day match between India A and Australia A, citing a back problem.
In an interview with Mid-day, Vengsarkar called such decisions difficult to understand.
“To be honest, it’s a dilemma for me, because he [Iyer] says that he is unfit for red-ball cricket, but is fit for the white-ball cricket. I don’t understand the difference between red-ball cricket and the white-ball cricket. I feel that if you are fit for white-ball cricket, you are obviously fit for red-ball cricket too. Choosing red-ball or white-ball and such things are beyond my comprehension,” he said.
The Mumbai-born cricketer last featured in a Test in early 2024 during England’s five-match tour of India. He appeared in two games but managed a top score of just 35, leading the selectors to exclude him from the squad.
Shreyas Iyer Appointed India’s ODI Vice-Captain
Although Shreyas Iyer has struggled to leave a mark in Test cricket, he remains a key player for India in the 50-over format. Following his crucial contribution to India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, the right-hander has been named vice-captain under new ODI skipper Shubman Gill for the upcoming tour of Australia.
Gill took over the ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma, signaling a significant change in leadership. Both Rohit and Virat Kohli are included in the ODI squad, seemingly aiming to feature in the 2027 World Cup. The series against Australia is set to begin on October 19 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
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