With less than two weeks left for the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 2023, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are sweating over the availability of their captain Shreyas Iyer.
The middle-order batter suffered a recurrence of a back injury during the recently held Ahmedabad Test against Australia. He has been advised 10 days of rest, with a call on his availability for IPL 2023 yet to be taken.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Shreyas will have to wait for 10 days to know his exact condition after seeing spine specialist Dr Abhay Nene. It added that although the tests done on him are not encouraging, KKR skipper has not yet been officially ruled out of the IPL.
“The results of the initial scans were found to be bad and he was straightaway withdrawn from participating further in the Ahmedabad Test. After returning to his hometown, Mumbai, Iyer consulted specialist Abhay Nene, an expert with Bombay and Lilavati hospitals in the city, who treats spine complications," the report stated.
“Nene is believed to have advised Iyer to undergo the normal procedure that is advised in such situations - rest and rehab. He was told to come back after 10 days and Iyer may know in the next few days about his immediate and long-term future," added the report.
Ahead of the start of the fifth day’s play in the Ahmedabad Test, the BCCI issued a statement, “Shreyas Iyer will take no further part in this Test. A specialist opinion will be sought.”
On the eve of the first ODI against Australia in Mumbai, fielding coach T Dilip confirmed that Shreyas Iyer will not feature in the three-match series.
As per the report, Knight Riders are preparing for any eventuality in case Iyer fails to recover in time for the cash-rich tournament.
“The squad is expected to assemble in Kolkata in the next couple of days and a decision on the new captain, if need be, will be made after full clarity on Iyer," it added.
While the IPL 2023 is slated to get underway on March 31, Kolkata Knight Riders will open their campaign against Punjab Kings on April 1.
(With IANS Inputs)
