Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 7: In a surprising move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Shreyas Iyer as captain of the India A side for the upcoming multi-day series against Australia A, raising fresh debates in the cricketing fraternity.

Iyer’s elevation comes days after his exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad sparked controversy. The decision is seen as a clear indication of the selectors’ intent to reintroduce him into the red-ball setup.

The squad includes names like Abhimanyu Easwaran, B Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, and Devdutt Padikkal, with Jurel as vice-captain. However, the absence of Karun Nair has raised eyebrows, especially after his recent comeback plea.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra termed Iyer’s appointment an “interesting development”, suggesting it paves the way for his inclusion in India’s Test assignments against South Africa and the West Indies.

“Shreyas is the captain of India A for the Australia A series. The No.3 and No.6 Test slots are still open. Sai Sudharsan and Easwaran are in the squad, but Karun Nair is not there. Unfortunately, it seems selectors have decided to move past him,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra added that while Iyer was ignored for the Asia Cup, his leadership role signals selectors’ faith in him. “Looking at India’s next few assignments, Shreyas could play two of the three formats. The door has opened up for him, and nicely,” he said.

Nair, once remembered for his triple century against England in 2016, now appears to have fallen out of selectors’ plans despite being fit and available.