Shreyas Iyer’s chances of making the Indian Test squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies took a hit on Thursday. The star batter was dismissed for just eight runs by Corey Rocchiccioli on Day 3 of the first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Lucknow, where Iyer is captaining the side.
A Brief Stay at the Crease
Iyer walked in to bat in the 59th over after Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for 73. Despite scoring a boundary, Iyer’s stay at the crease was short-lived. In the 62nd over, he was trapped LBW by Rocchiccioli, ending his innings. This dismissal will be a blow to Iyer’s push for a spot in India’s Test squad for the series against the West Indies, which begins on October 2 in Ahmedabad.
Iyer’s Recent Form and Fitness Concerns
Iyer’s recent form has raised concerns. He was last seen in action during the Duleep Trophy, where he scored 25 and 12 in his two innings. His last significant knock came in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, where he remained unbeaten on 87 in early June. However, after being out of action for over three months, it’s clear that his match fitness may be affecting his form. His last Test appearance was in February 2024 against England, and his most recent appearance for India was in March during the final of the Champions Trophy.
Australia A’s Dominant First Innings
Earlier in the match, Australia A chose to bat first and declared on a massive 532/6. Their innings was built on centuries from Sam Konstas and wicketkeeper Josh Phillippe, who remained unbeaten on 123.
India A’s Solid Start with the Bat
India A got off to a promising start in their first innings, with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Narayan Jagadeesan adding 88 runs for the opening wicket. However, Easwaran was dismissed by Liam Scott. Jagadeesan and Sudharsan then contributed 49 runs for the second wicket, before Jagadeesan was sent back by Xavier Bartlett. Sudharsan and Padikkal then built a 76-run partnership for the third wicket, but Sudharsan was dismissed by Cooper Connolly. At the time of writing, Padikkal was joined by Dhruv Jurel at the crease.
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