“He wasn’t able to stand properly,” Shreyas Iyer unlikely to feature in South Africa ODIs as he continues to recover from injury

Shreyas had suffered internal bleeding from the impact while taking a catch during third ODI at SCG.

India batter Shreyas Iyer, who sustained a serious injury during the recently held Australia tour, is back in the country and his recovery is underway. Despite the positive signs, the right-hander is unlikely to participate in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi.

Shreyas had suffered internal bleeding from the impact while taking a catch to dismiss Australia's wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey in the third ODI at SCG on October 25. The middle-order batter was immediately rushed to the hospital after scans ascertained a “laceration injury to the spleen.”

According to a recent report published in The Indian Express, Iyer’s condition was more severe than initially thought, with his oxygen level dropping to 50 at one point.

“He wasn’t able to stand properly for nearly 10 minutes. There was a complete blackout around him, and it took some time for him to return to normal,” a source in the BCCI told the newspaper.

After returning home, Iyer has been under medical observation and will reportedly need more than a month to regain match fitness.

“The board and selection committee don’t want to rush him back after the injury,” another official said. “He will take more time to be fully fit, and his participation in the South Africa series looks doubtful.”

Despite the setback, Shreyas Iyer seemed to be in good spirits as he took to social media on Monday and shared a photo of himself basking in the sun.

“Sun’s been a great therapy. Grateful to be back. Thanks for all the love and care,” Iyer captioned the post.

Shreyas Iyer may return to action when India host New Zealand in a three-match ODI series in January next year.