Former India cricketer, also the ex-men's selection committee chairman, Dilip Vengsarkar has stated that he finds it incomprehensible that Shreyas Iyer would commit to playing white-ball cricket after requesting a six-month hiatus from red-ball cricket. According to Vengsarkar, who acknowledged that he was not quite aware of the distinction between red-ball and white-ball cricket, he could not see how players could decide between the two formats.
Following the promotion of Shubman Gill as ODI captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma, Iyer was named as the new vice-captain in the 50-over format on Saturday.
“To be honest, it’s a dilemma for me, because he [Iyer] says that he is unfit for red-ball cricket, but is fit for the white-ball cricket. I don’t understand the difference between red-ball cricket and the white-ball cricket. I feel that if you are fit for white-ball cricket, you are obviously fit for red-ball cricket too. Choosing red-ball or white-ball and such things are beyond my comprehension,” Vengsarkar told Mid-Day.
Also Read | BCCI hits back after ex-England star suggests stop scheduling India-Pakistan matches at ICC events
After Iyer informed the BCCI that he was experiencing frequent back spasms and stiffness while representing India A during the unofficial Test against Australia A, he was given a six-month break from the format. Before skipping the second unofficial Test due to the same, Iyer captained India A in the first encounter against Australia A in Lucknow.
Subsequently he was not considered in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup match against Vidarbha in Nagpur, which the latter won by 93 runs.
“Mr Shreyas Iyer has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Having undergone back surgery in the UK and managed his recovery well, he has recently experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format. He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup,” the BCCI said in a press release.
Iyer's last appearance for India in a Test was against England in February 2024 in Visakhapatnam.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
