NEW DELHI: Shreyas Iyer will miss India's two-match home Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad. On Thursday, the BCCI announced a 15-member squad led by Shubman Gill, with Devdutt Padikkal and Nitish Reddy returning, while Karun Nair has been left out.

While announcing the squad in Dubai, chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the reason of his unavailability, saying, "Shreyas is a senior player. He has led India A as well, and we are always looking to develop leadership qualities in multiple players. But we haven't discussed anything about the Australia ODIs. Unfortunately, he won't be available because of his fitness. More than anything, we want him playing and playing well."

Iyer was on Thursday appointed India A captain for a three-match one-day series against Australia A in Kanpur from September 30 but he has taken a six-month break from red-ball cricket to strengthen his dodgy back.

"Mr Shreyas Iyer has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement confirming the development that was reported a couple of days ago.

"Having undergone back surgery in the UK and managed his recovery well, he has recently experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format.

"He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup," Saikia added.

Iyer, who underwent a back surgery in 2023, is being seen as a possible leadership candidate in the 50-over team which is currently led by Rohit Sharma.

To that effect, the three-match one-day series against Australia A could help the selectors gauge his potential ahead of the three-match ODI series in Australia in October.