Indian batter Shreyas Iyer is expected to be ruled out of competitive cricket for more than a month or so as he strives to reach complete match fitness. According to the medical reports, after suffering a severe on-field injury, he remains in recovery and is unlikely to participate in the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa.
How did Shreyas Iyer get injured?
It all started in the third ODI against Australia at the SCG, when Iyer, while going for a catch, took a blunt hit on his left lower rib cage. Scans showed that he had a lacerated spleen and internal bleeding.
Iyer was hospitalized in Sydney and placed in the ICU, and his oxygen level reportedly fell to 50 before finally stabilizing.
When Will Shreyas Iyer Play Next?
While that is good news – that Iyer has been discharged from the hospital and is stable – he is still on the road to full recovery. Team sources maintain that the board and the selection committee do not want to rush him into competitive cricket.
Iyer will require time not only to heal but to get match-sharp: the full range of motion, stamina, and mental readiness required at the international level.
A key concern was the severity of his injury: unable to stand properly for nearly ten minutes and reporting a blackout episode underline how serious the blow was.
That’s why the medical team is giving him more than a month before considering a return.
How will Iyer’s Absense Affect India’s Plans against South Africa?
Therefore, Iyer was expected to be one of the key players in India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting from 30 November in Ranchi.
With him in doubt for selection, the team may have to rework its middle-order strategy.
Given his experience and leadership qualities he has served as vice-captain in ODIs his absence creates a gap not only in batting but also in fielding and team balance.
What’s Next for Shreyas Iyer?
He posted a social update saying, “Sun’s been a great therapy. Grateful to be back. Thanks for all the love and care.” Yet he emphasized that returning to cricket is still premature.
As things stand, the message is clear: until Iyer is back on his feet, India might have to make plans without him at least for the start of the South Africa series-a pretty big setback for the batting lineup and a reminder of how fragile the careers of elite sportspeople can get.
