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Key Points

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has clarified the situation regarding Shreyas Iyer. He confirmed that Iyer's absence from red-ball cricket is solely due to fitness reasons, not his leadership capabilities. Agarkar explained that giving Iyer the India A captaincy is part of a broader strategy to identify leadership qualities in many players. The focus remains on Iyer regaining full fitness and form for the upcoming ODI series in Australia.

Key Points: Agarkar Clarifies Shreyas Iyer Fitness and India A Leadership Role

  • Shreyas Iyer's Test absence continues due to fitness issues as per BCCI advisory
  • Agarkar clarifies India A captaincy is not a direct path to Test leadership
  • Iyer will lead India A against Australia A before the ODI series
  • Selectors are using India A matches to assess leadership qualities in multiple players
2 min read

Trying to find qualities of a leader in a lot of people: Agarkar clears air on Shreyas Iyer

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explains Shreyas Iyer's absence from red-ball cricket is due to fitness, not leadership, as he captains India A before Australia ODIs.

"We’re trying to find qualities of a leader in a lot of people and India A gives us an opportunity to see if somebody has that ability. - Ajit Agarkar"

New Delhi, September 25

India's Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has clarified that while Shreyas Iyer remains an important figure in India's white-ball setup, his absence from red-ball cricket continues due to fitness reasons.

Iyer will lead India A against Australia A before heading into the ODI series in Australia.

"I don't think we've discussed the 50-over format yet. At the moment, we have to pick the team for these two Test matches (against West Indies)," Agarkar said.

"Shreyas is a senior player. He obviously leads his franchise in IPL (Indian Premier League) cricket. He's one of the senior guys. He was captain for India A as well. It's not like because of that we are looking at him as a Test captain. We're trying to find qualities of a leader in a lot of people and India A gives us an opportunity to see if somebody has that ability."

"Unfortunately, I think the statement was put out already, with regards to his fitness in terms of red-ball cricket, he won't be available.... and he's been a key player in one-day cricket over the last few years," he added.

Shreyas has conveyed to the BCCI that he has taken a decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket. He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his overall fitness, as per the BCCI media advisory.

As a result, the selectors did not consider him for the Rest of India squad for the upcoming Irani Cup against Vidarbha. However, Iyer will continue to lead the India A side in the three-match one-day series against Australia A, which begins on September 30 in Kanpur.

Iyer had low scores while playing in the red-ball match against Australia A and against Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final.

"He gets three games before we go to Australia, and more than anything, we want him playing and playing well because he becomes a key member in the one-day squad," Agarkar added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Iyer's IPL captaincy experience is valuable, but test cricket demands different skills. Smart move by selectors to assess leadership qualities in India A matches.
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the honesty, I feel the communication could have been better handled. The fitness issue should have been clarified earlier to avoid speculation.
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Ananya R
Shreyas has been brilliant in ODIs! His back issues have been a concern though. Better to take break now than risk long-term injury. All the best to him! 🙏
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Sarah B
Interesting approach by selectors - using India A matches to identify future leaders. This long-term thinking is what Indian cricket needs for sustained success.
V
Vikram M
His recent red-ball performances haven't been great anyway. Focus on white-ball where he excels, and come back to tests when fully fit. Sensible decision all around.

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