According to the latest report from TOI, Shreyas Iyer, a key middle-order batter for the Indian National Cricket Team, is set to miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2024 quarter-final clash despite warnings from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, citing his ongoing back problems.

Jay Shah recently urged centrally-contracted Indian players to participate in domestic cricket, emphasizing its importance for national team selection. He sternly cautioned that failing to do so would result in serious consequences.

BCCI’s Push for Domestic Participation Amidst IPL Prioritization

BCCI’s directive follows a concerning trend of players prioritizing the Indian Premier League (IPL) over domestic cricket. Players like Ishan Kishan, Deepak Chahar, and Krunal Pandya allegedly bypassed domestic cricket to focus on the lucrative IPL.

Regarding Shreyas Iyer’s recent performances, he struggled during the first two Tests against England, scoring modestly in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Subsequently, he was dropped from the team due to his lackluster form.

Conflicting reports emerged regarding Iyer’s exclusion, with some attributing it to poor form and others citing his back issues. Sarfaraz Khan replaced him in the playing XI for the Rajkot Test, delivering impressive performances with back-to-back half-centuries.

Shreyas Iyer’s Back Woes: Impact on Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Campaign

Sources from the Mumbai Cricket Association revealed that Shreyas Iyer is grappling with recurring back problems, rendering him unfit for the upcoming Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Baroda on February 23 at BKC ground.

Despite not being selected in the squad, it’s anticipated that Iyer will remain sidelined for some time. A Mumbai Cricket Association source confirmed his unfitness, noting his struggle with back pain even after brief batting sessions.

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Meanwhile, the ongoing Test series between India and England stands at 2-1 in favor of India. The teams will soon head to Ranchi for the fourth Test scheduled to commence on February 23 at JSCA International Stadium Complex.