So, just when you thought the India A vs Australia A unofficial Tests in Lucknow were going to be a chill binge-watch, plot twist, Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy arc got cut short mid-series. Instead of rallying the boys for Round 2, Iyer’s flown home, leaving half the group chat and the selectors, saying “kya scene hai?” This isn’t just any player swap; it’s the kind of mid-series curveball that has everyone doing selection committee cosplay. Grab your chai and scroll on, because the dominoes are already falling.
1. Shreyas Leaves, Jurel Takes The Wheel—Instant Main Character Energy
Image courtesy livemint.com
Iyer’s sudden withdrawal from the second unofficial Test starting September 23 took everyone by surprise; even the warmup playlist was probably still synced to his vibe. Multiple outlets dropped the news only hours before the toss: Iyer’s back in Mumbai for a short break. No replacement’s been named, but vice-captain Dhruv Jurel, fresh off a 140 in the first match, has officially unlocked his interim leader badge. From sidekick to captain overnight, talk about a glow-up.
2. Selection Maths 101: Rahul-Siraj In, New Hierarchy Unlocked
With KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj joining the squad for the second Test, it’s suddenly got big-bhai energy in the dressing room. Jurel’s promotion couldn’t have come at a better time to farm some serious leadership XP, especially ahead of Kanpur’s one-dayers. For Iyer, this break is laced with context, dropped from the Asia Cup 2025, still searching for red-ball rhythm, but reportedly in line for the West Indies Tests starting October 2 in Ahmedabad. The hierarchy is being reshuffled live; selectors, take notes.
3. Form Watch: Let’s Address The Goss—Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?
Image courtesy TOI
Honestly, it wasn’t Iyer’s day; he scored just 8 in the first match, where both sides stacked up 500+ runs. Meanwhile, Jurel and Padikkal whipped up a partnership for the ages, 228 runs, with Jurel smashing 140 off 197 and Padikkal dropping a classic 150. Meanwhile, Australia A’s Philippe and Konstas were busy making sure the bowlers clocked their cardio goals. Red-ball cricket hai, karma comes fast and furious, no hate, just hoping for a comeback run.
4. Lucknow Vibe Check: Ekana = Slow Burn Or Thriller Ending?
Image courtesy Crictoday
Ekana tends to give us slow-burn drama rather than last-ball chaos, but with Siraj’s new-ball accuracy and Rahul’s batting class, India A could actually push for a result this time. Tim Paine (yes, him) has already hinted at more spin for the second game, so who knows, agar thoda turn mila toh maza aayega. Remember, it’s just a two-match, four-day series; here, the stakes are all about selection debates and future Test dreams, not just the trophy shot.
Final Slide: Your Turn at Selector—Drop That Dream XI, Jaldi!
India A’s second game just shifted from ‘background banter’ to ‘live audition energy.’ With Iyer bowing out, Jurel grabbing the captain’s mic, and Rahul-Siraj bringing the experience, this is less “another match” and more “who’s next for the big leagues?” What would you do, play it safe with tried and tested, or put your chips on hot form?
