Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan brutally criticized Shreyas Iyer and advised BCCI to drop the batter from the team. On a live show during the India vs Australia 1st ODI match, Pathan, through a video, explained how poor Iyer's technique was against the short deliveries. 

At the Optus Stadium, under a heavy sky and rain threats, India lost their top-order batters in short intervals. Captain Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Iyer were all outclassed by the Australian pace attack. When Iyer came into the crease, India was already on the back foot, suffocating for some room to breathe. Indian cricket fans and experts had a huge amount of expectations on the batter. In the recent few matches, he performed well with the bat as well. 

Viewers noticed that Shreyas slightly upgraded his batting stance. Against Aussie pacers, on a bouncy track, his batting stance was more open. Before that match, Iyer was spotted with head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel in the nets. After all the preparations, the reality proved very harsh for the right-handed batsman. 

Read More: [WATCH] India dismiss Travis Head with superb planning during AUS vs IND 1st ODI

Irfan Pathan criticised Shreyas Iyer 

On a short, quick delivery, Iyer lost his wicket without adding any significant runs to team India's run tally. Experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood launched a short pitch delivery on the body of the batter. Iyer was absolutely surprised and had no clue how to face the ball. He somehow tried to push the ball on the leg but got only an edge, which went behind the stumps. Diving on the left side, Josh Philippe took a beautiful catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer. 

In the studio Irfan Pathan exposed how weak Iyer's batting strategy was for bouncy surfaces. "Shreyas Iyer's batting technique against short balls is worse than club-level batters; he is not capable of batting on Australian pitches. Team India should drop him," Pathan opined.

After two hours of relentless rain, the opening ODI between Australia and India at the Optus Stadium in Perth was reduced to 35 overs. The visitors were already struggling with three wickets down for less than 40 runs. And with the over being cut down, the pressure climbed more on the batters to break free and score quickly on the batters, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, in the middle. 

Shreyas Iyer was under a little pressure to bail them out of trouble, having already lost two veterans, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, early in the innings. The right-handed batter showed intent on the very first delivery after the rain break and cut the short ball of Josh Hazlewood for a boundary in the point region. But he couldn’t do much since then.

See Also: [WATCH] Shahid Afridi reacts to Afghanistan’s decision to boycott tri-series against Pakistan post cross-border tension

On the second ball of Hazlewood’s final over of the innings, he went short but towards the leg side of the batter. Iyer was unable to judge the line and couldn’t keep his hands down and away from the ball. The bat hit the deck hard and got into a slant from the back of a length.

Watch: Josh Hazlewood bounces out Shreyas Iyer during AUS vs IND 1st ODI

Iyer got into a tangle as he tried to glance it fine due to the extra bounce. It was around the ribs, as he only managed to get a glove on it. The wicket-keeper, Josh Phillippe, leaped to his left to gather the ball with both hands. The umpire also had no hesitation in raising the finger.

Josh Hazlewood removes Shreyas Iyer for 11 runs 👏

📺Watch #AUSvIND on ch. 501 or stream via @kayosports: https://t.co/hD77t5wWeR
✍️BLOG https://t.co/ufWVTYexzC
🔢MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/Z2DxdpdDkv pic.twitter.com/msnrjjG68T

— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) October 19, 2025

KL Rahul walked into the middle at number six, but the frustration continued as the rain returned to stop the game after 12 minutes of small passage. Hazlewood, who finished with figures of 2/20 in seven overs, dismissed Iyer thrice in ODIs out of seven innings, to which the batter has smashed 55 runs in 57 deliveries at an average of 18.33.

Earlier in the day, India lost Rohit Sharma for eight runs, who got an outside edge into the hands of the slip fielder. Kohli, for his eight-ball duck, sliced the ball away from his body into the hands of the point region, while the new captain, Shubman Gill, also had an unlucky dismissal.

Shubman Gill is set to take center stage as India face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting October 19 in Perth. This tour will also be his first major assignment as India’s new ODI captain.

With senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the squad, India’s batting unit looks strong and experienced. The combination of youth and seniority provides solid balance for the upcoming series.

The series is also expected to play a crucial role in shaping India’s roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Historically, Indian batters have shown consistency and adaptability on Australian pitches, which adds confidence to the team’s preparations for this important tour.

See Also: “Won’t lie…”- Suryakumar Yadav reveals reason to be scared of Shubman Gill in T20Is

3 Batters Who Can Shine on Australian Soil:

Australia will be missing a few key players due to injuries, leaving them unable to field their strongest lineup for the ODI series. The inexperience in their middle order could be a major challenge, placing extra pressure on top-order batters like Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Marnus Labuschagne to deliver consistently.

The series also carries added intrigue as it marks Shubman Gill’s first stint as India’s ODI captain, following his earlier leadership debut in Tests abroad. With both teams eyeing early momentum, the focus will now shift to the batters expected to dominate — here’s a look at three who could top the scoring charts.

1. Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Marsh is set to lead Australia in the upcoming ODI series, a task that comes with added responsibility due to the absence of several senior players. However, the all-rounder’s current form in white-ball cricket makes him one of the most dependable names in the squad.

In the recent home series against South Africa, Marsh showcased his class, scoring 206 runs in three matches at an average of 68.66, including a century and a fifty. His consistency continued during the T20I series in New Zealand, where he was the top scorer with 197 runs in three innings at a staggering strike rate of 191.26.

Marsh’s brilliance also extended to the IPL earlier this year, where he amassed 627 runs from 13 games at an impressive average of 48.23, hitting one century and six fifties.

 2. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer has made his comeback to international cricket after the 2025 Champions Trophy and will serve as Shubman Gill’s deputy for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. The stylish right-hander has been in exceptional form this year, especially in limited-overs cricket.

He played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, finishing as the team’s top run-getter with 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60, including two crucial fifties. His form carried over into the IPL, where he remained a consistent performer.

Representing his franchise, Iyer scored 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07, smashing six half-centuries. He also impressed against Australia A, scoring 180 runs in three games with a century and a fifty.

3. Shubman Gill

India’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill, has been in stunning form in red-ball cricket lately. He dominated the England series with 754 runs, including four centuries, and followed it up with 192 runs against the West Indies, featuring a hundred and a fifty.

Gill will look to extend his fine run into the ODI series against Australia. The young opener has been consistent in the format throughout 2025, scoring 447 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 63.85, with two centuries and two half-centuries.

ODI cricket remains Gill’s strongest suit. In his 55-match career so far, he has racked up 2,775 runs at an average of 59.04, including eight hundreds and 15 fifties.

The former Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, was present during the 27th CEAT Cricketing Awards in Mumbai last week. It was his first public appearance since being replaced as the 50-over leader of the national side by Shubman Gill. His physical transformation drew attention among the fans as his priceless act at an award show has gone viral on social media platforms. 

Along with Rohit, Shreyas Iyer was also present at the award show. He had gone to the stage to collect the award, but after his return to the seat, he placed the memento on the floor beside him instead of holding it and keeping it on the table. Rohit, chilling with his wife Ritika Sajdesh during that time, noticed the award on the floor.

See Also: [WATCH] India get penalty runs after ball hits wicket-keeper's helmet during IND-W vs AUS-W Women's World Cup 2025 clash

The 38-year-old quietly picked up the award and placed it on a nearby table in a gesture that shows his respect for any award, as it drew praise on social media. Fans also lauded the Nagpur-born for his achievements, calling it a small thing but the most effective one for others to understand.

Watch: Rohit Sharma places Shreyas Iyer’s award from floor to table in viral video

Under Rohit’s leadership, India reached the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 and ended as the runners-up at home, losing the final to Australia. They earned the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America to break the jinx after 18 years, besides following it up with another ICC title in the Champions Trophy 2025 in February this year.

The award that Shreyas Iyer received, he placed it down on the floor, but as soon as Rohit Sharma noticed it, he immediately picked it up and placed it back on the table.🥹❤️

Rohit knows the true value of every award and trophy.🫡 pic.twitter.com/5CL6kQBXPr

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) October 12, 2025

Australia is a different challenge every time they have played against us. Having been there now several times, I do understand what to expect. Hopefully, we can go there and do what the Indian team is supposed to do and get the result in our favor.” Rohit expressed his excitement to be back in the field.

Rohit aims to find the same form and rhythm for the Australia series to be in the selection contention for the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

After the snub from BCCI's central contract list, Shreyas Iyer slowly but steadily has changed a lot. He is now more mature as a batsman as well as a leader. The selectors of BCCI called the middle-order batter into the team, and now, he is the vice captain of India's ODI squad for the India vs Australia series starting from October 19.

Replacing Rohit Sharma in the leadership role, Shubman Gill will lead the troop, and Iyer is named as his deputy. Over the last few years, how was Iyer able to make his mind more calm and in control? Ahead of the white ball series against Australia, Iyer shared a video posted through his Instagram profile. He claimed that because of the Bhagavad Gita, he is now more calm and controlled.

"The Bhagavad Gita has taught me how to quiet the noise & trust my inner voice. And when my mind is clear, performances follow naturally... If you want to stop chasing confidence and start performing with clarity, Bhagavad Gita for All is where you begin," Shreyas Iyer said via his Instagram post. 

Read More: [WATCH] Sai Sudarshan's terrific catch dismisses John Campbell during IND vs WI 2nd Test

The social media post was also for advertisement purposes, as Iyer later revealed the name of a platform. Bhagavad Gita for All (BGFA), a rapidly growing faith-tech platform founded by entrepreneur Mr. Prithviraaj Shetty. The company has announced a collaboration with the star Indian cricketer. 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Shreyas Iyer (@shreyasiyer96)

Bhagavad Geeta is no just a book: Shreyas Iyer 

"The Bhagavad Geeta for All is not just a book; it’s a companion that helps you reflect, stay balanced, and find purpose amidst challenges. It’s beautifully designed and so relevant for today’s generation," Iyer said about the collaboration.

On the other side, the founder of the platform said, "Shreyas Iyer is among the finest batsmen in the world, and performing at that level demands focus and calm even in the most intense moments. He personifies what the Gita teaches—the art of staying balanced amidst every challenge."

Ahead of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) released a talented 16-member team for their opening match against Jammu and Kashmir, which begins on October 15 at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. The team will be captained by all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who takes over from Ajinkya Rahane after the senior batter opted to relinquish the leadership role this season. Mumbai will hope to start the new campaign on a high as they pursue their 42nd Ranji Trophy championship.

However, two of Mumbai’s biggest names, Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, are not part of the squad, which has left many fans surprised. The MCA has now explained the reasons behind their absence. According to MCA secretary Abhay Hadap, Suryakumar Yadav was not dropped by the selectors. Instead, his availability for the first match was not confirmed. “No, SKY hasn’t been dropped. It’s just that his availability wasn’t confirmed for this match. The Mumbai Cricket Association’s staff tried to contact him, but he didn’t give his availability for this match to us,” Hadap told TOI.

As for Shreyas Iyer, the middle-order batter has officially requested a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to recurring back problems. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sanctioned his plea, enabling him to get back to work on his recovery before turning out for longer-form cricket again. He will be missed, but the administration is confident this respite will see him gain full fitness for future international commitments.

Mumbai Begin a New Chapter Under Shardul Thakur

Despite missing two senior stars, Mumbai still look strong on paper. Ajinkya Rahane will play a key role in the middle order, while Shardul Thakur’s all-round skills will bring balance and leadership to the side. Sarfaraz Khan, who recently recovered from injury, makes his return and will reunite with his younger brother Musheer Khan. The bowling unit also appears to be in good shape with Tushar Deshpande and Royston Dias strengthening the pace unit.

See Also: [WATCH] "Always getting runs..."- Travis Head reveals strategy against Virat Kohli during AUS vs IND ODI series

Youngster Ayush Mhatre, who played as captain of India's U-19 team and is part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL team, has also been drafted into the unit. Mumbai, which is in Elite Group D with Delhi, Hyderabad, and Jammu & Kashmir, will look to kick-start their season on a high note and take one step ahead after last season's runners-up finish to Vidarbha.

Mumbai Squad for Ranji Trophy 2025–26:

Shardul Thakur (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Tushar Deshpande, Shams Mulani, Siddhesh Lad, Musheer Khan, Ayush Mhatre, Tanush Kotian, Aakash Anand (WK), Hardik Tamore (WK), Akhil Herwadkar, Irfan Umair, Sylvester Dsouza, Royston Dias.

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has criticized star batsman Shreyas Iyer for taking a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Vengsarkar was shocked when Iyer quoted fitness concerns for red-ball cricket but being perfectly fit for white-ball cricket. The 30-year-old Iyer has played 14 Tests for India, making 811 runs with an average of 36.86, including one century and five half-centuries.

Iyer played his last Test in February 2024 before being dropped on grounds of form and fitness issues. He has since played numerous red-ball games in domestic cricket. He was recently appointed captain of India A for the four-day series against Australia A but left the second game after participating in the first.

He was also expected to feature in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup and was in line for a potential return to the Indian Test team for the home series against the West Indies. However, Iyer requested a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to back concerns, which the BCCI approved. Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the period would allow Iyer to build endurance and work on fitness levels.

Vengsarkar Questions Red-Ball Break

Despite the BCCI’s approval, Vengsarkar is unhappy with Iyer’s decision. Speaking to Mid-day, he said, “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 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.”

See Also: PCB considers Babar Azam recall amid doubts over Salman Ali Agha’s T20I form

Meanwhile, with Rohit Sharma recently sacked as India’s ODI captain, Shubman Gill was elevated to captain for the Australia tour, and Iyer was named his deputy. Legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh praised Iyer’s return to a leadership role, calling him an impact player. “I’m very happy for Shreyas Iyer. He’s one of those guys who hardly gets the credit he deserves. We talk about that World Cup in India, he scored back-to-back centuries, and with what pace! He’s an impact player; when he gets going, he makes things easy for the dressing room and the other batters. I’m happy he’s back in the scheme of things, not just as a player but with a bigger responsibility as vice-captain. I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table in terms of ideas and how he and Shubman Gill take this team forward,” he added.

India A batters thrashed the Australia A bowlers in the first unofficial ODI at Kanpur, where the opener Priyansh Arya and the skipper Shreyas Iyer scored powerful centuries, as India A scored 400+ runs with five 50+ scores. 

India A scored 413/6 in 50 overs: Priyansh Arya 101 and Shreyas Iyer 110

While Tuesday (September 30) was washed out by rain, the India A vs Australia A first unofficial ODI was started on Wednesday (October 1), which was the reserve day for the match. India A openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provided a strong start with a 135-run partnership for the first wicket. After Singh was dismissed for 56 runs in 53 balls with six fours and two sixes, Arya continued his smashing with the skipper Shryeas Iyer. 

Arya scored 101 runs in 84 balls with 11 fours and five sixes. Then, Iyer and Riyan Parag set up another strong 132-run partnership for the third wicket. With five fours and five sixes, Parag scored 67 runs in just 42 balls.

See Also: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 78-Ball Century in Youth Test Against Australia

Skipper Iyer and Ayush Badoni then quickly added a 73-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Captain Iyer scored 110 runs off just 83 balls with 12 fours and four sixes. Meanwhile, before losing his wicket in the last over, Badoni scored a quick-fire 50 off 27 balls with four fours and three sixes. 

While all the top five India A batters scored 50+ runs, including two centuries, India A scored 413/6 in 50 overs. It was the third-highest unofficial ODI total for India A, the highest in the last seven years. 

Australia A had to use seven bowlers, but the visitors had no clue at all. Captain Will Sutherland was their only bowler to pick up more than one wicket in that innings, as he had the bowling figures of 9-0-73-2. 

Australia A all out for 242

In reply, Australia A were bowled out for only 242 runs in 33.1 overs, as India A won by 171 runs, their largest List A win against Australia A and fourth largest win against any team in this format. While the opener Mackenzie Harvey (68) and skipper Will Sutherland (50) scored half-centuries, Lachlan Shaw (45), Cooper Connolly (33), and Jake Fraser-McGurk (23) failed to capitalise on their quick starts. 

Among the India A bowlers, Nishant Sindhu got four wickets, as he had the bowling figures of 6.1-0-50-4, while Ravi Bishnoi got two wickets in his eight overs (2/49). While Australia A were once fighting at 169/2 in the 21st over, they ultimately failed to handle the constant high required run rate pressure.

An India Test squad again without Shreyas Iyer. Did BCCI overlook the batter? This time there is an explanation why Iyer is not considered for the Test format.

Along with the Test squad announcement for the West Indies series, the board has confirmed squads of India A and the Rest of India. Iyer is selected as the captain for the India A squad for the three-match one-day series against Australia A. But he is not in the Rest of India squad for the upcoming Irani Cup. BCCI, through a press release, explained why the batter is not selected for the multi-day format.

Iyer has a history of back injury. He had to undergo back surgery in the UK to regain his fitness. After the surgery, Iyer bounced back and gained his momentum again. But again, as BCCI informed, he has experienced back spasms and stiffness. Due to that, the star batsman decided to take a long break from red-ball cricket.

Read More: Who is Sumeet Verma, Indian allrounder to play T20 World Cup Africa qualifier?

Why Iyer is not in IND vs WI Test sqaud?

Shreyas was the captain for India A vs. Australia A 1st unofficial test but pulled himself out from the second unofficial test. His last-minute decision to skip the match came as a surprise. Now, with the explanation given by BCCI, it is now understood why he did not take part in the multi-day match. 

"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 utilize this period to build endurance and body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup," BCCI informed.

Just an hour before the 15-member squad announcement for three unofficial ODIs against Australia A, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad. They also revealed the Rest of India (ROI) side for the upcoming Irani Cup 2025, which will be played against the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 winner, Vidarbha, from October 01 in Nagpur.

For the opening unofficial ODI, there is no vice-captain for Shreyas Iyer’s leadership as the games will be played in Kanpur, from September 30. Once the Asia Cup 2025 ends, Tilak Verma will become the vice-captain, while Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh will join the squad for the second game.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: 'Akkhi duniya ek taraf mera Bumrah ek taraf' - Sanjana Ganeshan special message for Jasprit Bumrah on air during IND vs BAN Match

For the Rest of India squad, Rajat Patidar, the winning captain of the Duleep Trophy 2025, will lead the side, as Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the vice-captain of the squad. Ishan Kisan returns from injury, while Manav Suthar’s inclusion indicates he won’t get a place for the home West Indies series.

BCCI announces India A and ROI squad ahead of domestic season 2025-26

Khaleel Ahmed is likely to lead the pace attack of the ROI side, while Saransh Jain has also been selected. Abhimanyu Easwaran will be the opener of the team to take on Vidarbha.

“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.” The BCCI revealed in an official statement.

India’s A Squad for 1st Unofficial ODI:

Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh

India’s A Squad for 2nd and 3rd Unofficial ODIs:

Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Verma (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh

Rest of India Squad (Irani Cup):

Rajat Patidar (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain