"When I field for long hours in red-ball cricket..”- Shreyas Iyer reveals why he requested BCCI for a break

Shreyas Iyer, India's star batter, explains why he took a break and requested the BCCI not to choose him in Test cricket. Following India's two-wicket setback to Australia in the second one-day international, Iyer emphasized the importance of managing one's workload across all formats in order to maintain high energy, particularly in tough red-ball cricket.

Shreyas Iyer last played for India in Tests last year against England at home. He complained of back issues, and BCCI relieved him from the rest of the series. However, the BCCI medical team cleared him of any issues, and BCCI cancelled his central contract for not playing domestic cricket, despite Iyer stating his issues with back injury.

Iyer made his return to the Indian team against England earlier this year and was the highest run-getter for India in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win. But after playing a couple of games for India A, he requested BCCI for a break from Test cricket and red-ball games for six months, sharing his issue with his back.

“My intensity tends to drop”—Shreyas Iyer on taking a break from red-ball cricket

Iyer went on to explain how his current workload strategy and specific technical tweaks have helped him maintain consistency and confidence on the field.  Iyer purposefully decided to take a break from red-ball cricket early this month. He had legally requested a six-month hiatus from red-ball cricket due to severe back issues.

The BCCI evaluated and approved his plea, allowing him to focus on limited-overs formats while also better managing his physical health.

"When I field for long hours in red-ball cricket, I've realized my intensity tends to drop. At the international level, that can make a difference. In ODIs, you have rest days and time to recover, so it's easier to manage. Based on that, I've planned my approach," Iyer said after the second Australia v India ODI in Adelaide.

"The technique I've got lately is not something that I've changed suddenly. Since last year, I wanted to have an upright stance, especially on wickets where the bounce is a little more than expected. I worked with my coach on it, and it has been suiting me quite well. I grew up playing with that kind of stance, so I just thought of going back to my old method and seeing how it works out," he further stated.

Iyer and Rohit Sharma had a key 118-run stand against a formidable Australian bowling attack, helping India post a competitive total of 264/9. However, India lost the match by two wickets, costing them the series.

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