Team India batter Shreyas Iyer has apparently decided to take a break from red-ball cricket due to ongoing workload and injury issues. The 29-year-old has been having problems with recurring back injuries and has made known his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), meaning he is now almost certain to miss the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies.

Iyer's injury issues are well-known, as his back problem required surgery in 2023, but he has returned to regular cricket since the Asia Cup that same year. However, given the demand red-ball cricket puts on an athlete's body, questions will remain over his long-term future in red-ball cricket. A BCCI source explained, "He has let us know he will take a break from red-ball cricket. The selectors are now clearer regarding his future, and he will look at how his body reacts with the assistance of trainers and physiotherapists."

For Iyer, the move makes sense for several reasons:

1. Safeguarding his white-ball future

Iyer continues to be India's preferred No.4 in ODIs and is on the cusp of returning to T20Is. With two white-ball tournaments on the horizon, including the T20 World Cup, Iyer can prioritize the white-ball formats where he is now able to remain a crucial part of the team, and thus, hopefully, he will not have to take a longer injury break.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] 'Out of natural position...'- Aakash Chopra gives advice to struggling Sanju Samson during Asia Cup 2025

2. Avoiding further injury setbacks

Recruitment has shown that Iyer's back issues are aggravated by Test cricket. Being reminded of the red-ball injuries that led him to miss the 2023 IPL is a cautionary tale to consider. By withdrawing from the Tests, Iyer is better able to manage his workload and to be available for the formats where India really needs him.

3. A positive result for both player and selectors

Iyer's leaving out of the selection debate for the Tests only strengthens the debate, as there is rich bench strength in India's middle-order. For Iyer, it gives a no-excuses closure, and he can fully focus on limited-overs cricket with no red-ball constraints. Ultimately, Iyer's departure does not feel like a step back but a necessary move towards a longer playing career. With a narrower focus on ODIs and T20S, we can expect to see a sharper and more decisive version of Iyer when India approaches the important white-ball phase.