“I don’t understand” - Former Indian cricketer questions Shreyas Iyer’s six-month break from red-ball cricket

Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar has opened up on the Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer taking a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Notably, Iyer announced a six-month break from red-ball cricket after the conclusion of the first unofficial Test against Australia A recently.

While Dhruv Jurel captained the India A side in the second unofficial Test, Vengsarkar has asserted that he doesn’t understand the difference between red-ball and white-ball cricket, adding that if you’re fit for one format, you should be playing the other as well.

"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," Dilip Vengsarkar said on Mid-Day.

Interestingly, the Indian selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has elevated Iyer as the new vice-captain of the Indian ODI side for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth.

Most recently, the BCCI has come up with an official statement of Iyer informing the BCCI about his six-month break from the longest format of the game to manage his recovery from his recent back surgery. 

“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 press release stated.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!