Indian batter Shreyas Iyer is expected to be out of action for approximately two months following a significant injury sustained during the third ODI against Australia. The incident occurred on October 25th in Sydney, when Iyer fell awkwardly while fielding, resulting in a lacerated spleen.
Iyer was immediately taken to the hospital for evaluation, where scans revealed the extent of the injury. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) confirmed the diagnosis and stated that he was under treatment and in stable condition. According to reports, the situation was initially considered life-threatening due to internal bleeding and alarmingly low blood pressure. Doctors acted swiftly to control the hemorrhage, and Iyer was admitted to the ICU. He underwent a non-surgical medical procedure to stop the bleeding.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reported that Iyer's recovery has been progressing faster than initially expected. He is now out of the ICU, in stable condition, walking, and eating normally. A repeat scan on October 28th showed significant improvement. The BCCI medical team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, is continuing to monitor his progress. A member of Shreyas Iyer's family is also being arranged to travel to Sydney by the BCCI.
While initial reports suggested surgery, it was later clarified that Iyer underwent a non-surgical procedure to address the internal bleeding. Specific details of the "medical procedure" have not been officially disclosed, but it was aimed at arresting the bleeding from the lacerated spleen.
Given the recovery timeline, Iyer is expected to miss the upcoming five-match T20 series against Australia, which begins in Canberra on October 29th. More significantly, his participation in the ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to start on November 30th, appears doubtful.
The Times of India reported that Iyer will remain under observation for at least a week. The focus remains on ensuring a full recovery before he returns to competitive cricket.
The extent of Iyer's absence also casts doubt on his availability for the ODI series in New Zealand. While the schedule for that series is yet to be confirmed, it is likely to fall within the expected two-month recovery period. This would be a significant blow to the Indian team, as Iyer has been a key member of the ODI squad, scoring 496 runs in 11 ODIs this year.
Iyer's injury is a setback for the player and the team. Fans and officials alike are hoping for a swift and complete recovery, allowing him to return to the field as soon as possible.
