Shreyas suffered a possible hairline fracture during the third ODI against Australia at SCG.
India batter Shreyas Iyer suffered a possible hairline fracture during the third ODI against Australia at SCG on Saturday (October 25), and the injury might keep him out of action for three weeks.
During the 34th over of Australia’s innings, Iyer grabbed a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey. In the process, however, the Indian vice-captain fell awkwardly and was seen holding his ribs in pain, prompting teammates to rush over and check on him. Despite being attended by the physio, he walked off the field.
Now, Iyer will be racing against time to recover completely for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa at home.
According to a PTI report, Shreyas will be out of action for three weeks, and as of now, it's unclear whether he will regain fitness in time for the first ODI against South Africa, scheduled for November 30 in Ranchi.
“Shreyas was taken to the hospital for scans during the match itself. As per initial diagnosis, there has been a jerk and he will have to be out of action for a minimum of three weeks,” PTI quoted a BCCI source as saying.
"He will have to report to the Centre of Excellence on his return. Further reports are awaited before one can conclude if he will require more time for recovery. If it is a hairline fracture, then it might take longer," the source added.
Shreyas Iyer currently plays only the ODI format for India. The 30-year-old had written to the BCCI last month, seeking permission to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket after experiencing stiffness in his back.
When asked about his availability for the South Africa ODI series, the source said, "It is too early to say. If it is three weeks before RTP (Return To Play), then there is a chance that it could be touch and go before November 30."
Speaking of Iyer’s on-field injury, he was in considerable pain after completing the catch of Carey, and the team physio escorted him out before he was taken to the hospital for precautionary scans.
"Shreyas Iyer sustained an injury to his left rib cage while fielding. He has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation and assessment of his injury," the BCCI informed through a release during the third ODI.
Shreyas Iyer’s services with the bat weren’t needed in the Sydney ODI as India won the game by nine wickets to finish the lost series (2-1) on a high.
Chasing 237 to win, India lost skipper Shubman Gill for 24, but the veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stitched an unbroken partnership of 168 runs to take the tourists home with 69 deliveries to spare.
While Rohit remained unbeaten on 121 off 125 balls, Kohli finished with 74 not out off 81 balls.
(With PTI Inputs)