Dubai, Sep 25 (NationPress) When questioned about whether the selectors are considering Shreyas Iyer as a potential candidate for the future ODI captaincy, Ajit Agarkar, Team India’s chief selector, stated that discussions regarding the 50-over format have not occurred yet.

After Rohit Sharma stepped down from the Test and T20I captaincy, he remains an active player in the 50-over format, expressing his desire to lead India in the upcoming ODI World Cup. However, speculation about his retirement from white-ball cricket persists.

"At this point, we haven't discussed the 50-over format. Our focus is on selecting the team for the upcoming Test matches. Shreyas is a senior player who captains his franchise in IPL and has also led India A. We’re assessing leadership qualities in various individuals, and India A provides insights into that potential," Agarkar remarked.

He continued, "A statement was released regarding Shreyas Iyer's fitness indicating he won't be available for red-ball cricket, which opens up opportunities for us. Over the past few years, he has been a vital player in one-day cricket. He will have three matches to showcase his skills before we head to Australia. More than anything, we want him to be in form as he is an essential part of the one-day squad," he added during a press conference in Dubai, where the Indian squad for the West Indies series was announced.

The BCCI has confirmed India A's squad for the one-day series against Australia A, with Iyer appointed as captain. The PBKS skipper has requested a six-month hiatus from the red-ball format, leading to his absence from the Irani Cup and the home series against the West Indies.

The BCCI stated, "Shreyas Iyer has informed us of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to recurring back spasms following his recovery from back surgery in the UK. He aims to use this time to enhance his endurance and fitness, which influenced his exclusion from the Irani Cup selection."

He is set to lead India A in the three-match ODI series against Australia A, scheduled to take place on September 30, October 3, and October 5, 2025, at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium.

India A squad for the 1st one-day match: 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 A squad for the 2nd and 3rd one-day matches: 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.

vi/bc