India, Sept. 25 -- Shreyas Iyer's withdrawal from India's second four-day game against Australia A has left everyone confused. The batter cited personal reasons and has also taken a formal six-month break from red-ball cricket. Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Iyer's withdrawal on Thursday in an official statement. He also revealed that Iyer made the decision to manage his body due to fitness issues.

Iyer had been experiencing recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format. Reacting to Iyer's decision, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra was asked on ESPNCricinfo if he felt that it could have long-term repercussions in the future.

He said, "It is actually (whether Shreyas Iyer taking a break from ...