India batter Shreyas Iyer has pulled out of the India A squad just hours before the second four-day unofficial Test against Australia A, set to begin Tuesday in Lucknow. 
While the reason has not been officially confirmed, Iyer is understood to have cited personal reasons before returning to Mumbai.
In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who served as vice-captain in the first match, will lead the team. 
No replacement has been announced.
Iyer had a poor outing in the opening unofficial Test, scoring just 8 runs, and also endured modest returns in the recent Duleep Trophy. 
Despite this, he remains in contention for the two-Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, pacer Mohammed Siraj has been drafted in to replace Khaleel Ahmed for the second game, while all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy continues to be sidelined with a knee injury.
The first match ended in a high-scoring draw, with both teams crossing 530 runs. 
The final game will be crucial for fringe players eager to make a case for senior Test selection.

Shreyas Iyer exits India A squad in Lucknow

Shreyas Iyer withdraws from India A squad; Dhruv Jurel to lead in Lucknow Test

Iyer exits India A squad before 2nd Test

Shreyas Iyer withdraws from India A squad; Dhruv Jurel to lead in Lucknow Test

September 23, 2025 | 09:57 IST