Shreyas Iyer withdraws from India A squad just before 2nd match against Australia; Dhruv Jurel named captain

Shreyas Iyer had captained India A in the first game against Australia.

Shreyas Iyer, who was named the captain of the India A squad for the two four-day games against Australia A, has withdrawn from the team ahead of the second four-day game and returned to Mumbai.

It was unclear why Shreyas Iyer abruptly left Lucknow and returned to Mumbai, although it is believed that he provided the BCCI with a personal reason.

In Iyer's absence, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who was Iyer's deputy in the opening game, will assume the captaincy. Iyer's replacement in the India A team was not announced.

“Yes, Shreyas is taking a break and has returned to Mumbai. He has informed the selectors that he won't be able to play in the second four-day match against Australia A. However, he remains in the fray for a spot in the middle order when the selectors meet to pick the squad for the West Indies series," a source was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Iyer’s bat didn’t do much talking in the first four-day game, as he scored 8 runs in 13 balls and was out lbw to Australian off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli.

Earlier this month in Bengaluru, the 30-year-old scored modestly for West Zone versus Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final, scoring 25 and 12 points.

Iyer is still a possibility for a middle-order position in India's forthcoming two-Test home series against the West Indies, which begins on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, notwithstanding his recent performances.

Meanwhile, one more change was made in the India A squad as Mohammed Siraj replaced pacer Khaleel Ahmed. Nitish Kuma Reddy continued his rehab after the knee injury he suffered in England and missed selection for the second four-day match as well.