Shreyas Iyer's much-anticipated return to action for the first time since being discharged from the Indian Test team, and amid the ongoing BCCI contract controversy, ended on a disappointing note. He fell for a low score in the ongoing semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024 between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu was blasted out for 146 runs after captain Sai Kishore decided to bat first after winning the toss. In reply, Musheer Khan stood tall with 55 as wickets fell around him with Sai Kishore picking a fifer.

Shreyas Iyer, who lost his BCCI central contract, made his cricketing return in this match and came out to bat after Sai Kishore dismissed Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane for just 19 runs. Rahane, Mumbai's captain, has had a torrid time in the tournament.

Sandeep Warrier quickly greeted Iyer with a bouncer, as Tamil Nadu appeared determined to exploit his weakness.

When the Tamil Nadu fast bowler returned for his following over, Iyer ran down the track to play an aggressive shot, but the pacer took advantage and shortened the length as the Iyer played it onto the stumps.

Notably, Iyer had complained of back pain after the second India v England Test match. He was later dropped from the remaining three Tests. Iyer was expected to play Ranji Trophy for Mumbai, but he skipped these matches citing back spasms.

However, NCA doctor Dr. Nitin Patel sent an email to the BCCI declaring Iyer fully fit. Then Shreyas Iyer was seen at his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders’ training camp in Mumbai. This didn’t sit well with the BCCI selection committee. This was despite BCCI secretary Jay Shah instructing the centrally contracted players to play domestic cricket in their free time.

Iyer later made himself available for selection for the semifinal game against Tamil Nadu after recovering from the injury at the KKR camp. But by then, the BCCI had announced the list of centrally contracted players and Shreyas Iyer’s name was missing from the list.