Shreyas Iyer to Miss Second Four-Day Game Against Australia A Due to Personal Reasons

India A captain Shreyas Iyer has withdrawn from the second and final four-day match of the ongoing red-ball series against Australia A, set to begin in Lucknow on Tuesday, September 23.

While the exact reason for his withdrawal has not been officially confirmed, sources indicate that Iyer returned to Mumbai after leading the team in the first match, which concluded on September 19, citing personal reasons. He has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his unavailability. Iyer could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

Iyer, who was appointed captain of the India A side for this series, had a disappointing outing in the first match, scoring just eight runs in a high-scoring draw. His absence now opens the door for a new leader, with vice-captain Dhruv Jurel or Rajat Patidar — who was not originally named in the squad — likely to step in as skipper for the second match.

This development comes amidst ongoing discussions about Iyer's omission from India's Asia Cup squad, despite a strong IPL performance earlier this year.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj, who were designated to join the squad for the second game, have arrived in Lucknow. The BCCI had previously stated that the duo would replace two players after the conclusion of the first match.

India A Squad for Second Four-Day Match:

Abhimanyu Easwaran, N Jagadeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (VC & WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Harsh Dubey, Ayush Badoni, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Manav Suthar, Yash Thakur, KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj.

The second unofficial Test promises to be a key opportunity for fringe players to make a case for higher honours, especially with senior names like Rahul and Siraj bolstering the squad.