The decision came shortly after Iyer stepped down as India A captain and left the Lucknow camp midway through the ongoing series against Australia A.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to an IE report, Iyer informed the BCCI that he is unable to play four or more consecutive days due to recurring physical issues. While he managed shorter stints in last season\u2019s Ranji Trophy, the demands of Test and India A cricket make such flexibility unfeasible. Confronted with these challenges, he has decided to step away from the longer format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This move marks another hiatus from red-ball cricket for Iyer, who was previously dropped midway through India\u2019s home series against England in February 2024. He consulted the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee before formally notifying the BCCI, following his withdrawal from the second unofficial Test against Australia A.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iyer had been expected to return for the West Indies Tests, especially after Karun Nair\u2019s underwhelming performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. His recent appointment as India A captain was also seen as a step toward Test readiness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iyer\u2019s red-ball record remains impressive, including a debut century and notable innings against New Zealand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iyer had been expected to return for the West Indies Tests, especially after Karun Nair\u2019s underwhelming performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. His recent appointment as India A captain was also seen as a step toward Test readiness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iyer was also ignored by the selectors for the Men's T20 Asia Cup despite leading the Punjab Kings superbly in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and also being among their top scorers. But the selectors seem to have zeroed in on Iyer as a red-ball player, something the Mumbai batter is not comfortable playing, as evident from this letter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n