IND vs AUS: “My intensity goes down”- Shreyas Iyer on why he requested BCCI for a break from red-ball cricket

Shreyas Iyer made 61 runs in the second ODI between Australia and India in Adelaide.

India’s top batter, Shreyas Iyer, explained why he took a break and asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) not to choose him for red-ball cricket. After India lost to Australia by two wickets in the second one-day international in Adelaide, Iyer stressed how crucial it is to manage workloads in all formats to keep one’s energy levels high, especially in challenging red-ball cricket.

The last time Shreyas Iyer played for India in tests was in a home match against England last year. BCCI relieved him for the remainder of the series after he complained of back problems. Even though Iyer claimed to have a back injury, the BCCI medical staff ruled him out of any problems, and the BCCI terminated his central contract for failing to play domestic cricket.

Iyer returned to the Indian squad earlier this year against England, and he led the team in runs scored during their victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, after playing a few matches for India A, he told the BCCI about his back problem and asked for a six-month vacation from test and red-ball cricket.

“My intensity tends to drop”—Shreyas Iyer on taking a break from red-ball cricket

Iyer outlined how his present workload plan and particular technical adjustments have enabled him to be reliable and self-assured on the field.  Early this month, Iyer made the deliberate decision to take a break from red-ball cricket.

Due to serious back problems, he had formally requested a six-month break from red-ball cricket. After considering and accepting his plea, the BCCI gave him permission to concentrate on limited-overs forms and improve his physical well-being.

“When I field for long hours in red-ball cricket, I’ve realized my intensity tends to drop. At the international level, that can make a difference. In ODIs, you have rest days and time to recover, so it’s easier to manage. Based on that, I’ve planned my approach,” Iyer said after the second Australia v India ODI in Adelaide.

“The technique I’ve got lately is not something that I’ve changed suddenly. Since last year, I wanted to have an upright stance, especially on wickets where the bounce is a little more than expected. I worked with my coach on it, and it has been suiting me quite well. I grew up playing with that kind of stance, so I just thought of going back to my old method and seeing how it works out,” he further stated.

After a failure in the first ODI against Australia, Iyer showed signs of returning to form as he formed a key 118-run stand with Rohit Sharma against a formidable Australian bowling attack in the second ODI in Adelaide, helping India post a competitive total of 264/9. Iyer made 61 runs, while Rohit made 73, but their efforts went in vain as India lost by two wickets in the second ODI.

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