Indian cricket faces a significant blow with star batter Shreyas Iyer expected to be out of action for at least three weeks due to a rib injury. The unfortunate incident happened during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25, when Iyer took a difficult catch to dismiss Alex Carey. A hard landing after the catch resulted in an injury to his left rib cage.
Immediate medical checks, including scans, were conducted on Iyer during the match. The initial diagnosis suggests a rib injury that will require a minimum of three weeks for recovery. Depending on the severity, potentially a hairline fracture, the rehabilitation period could be extended. He will need to report to the National Cricket Academy for his recovery program.
The timing of this injury is concerning, as it raises doubts about Iyer’s availability for India’s upcoming ODI series against South Africa, commencing on November 30. The recovery timeline of three weeks makes his participation in the first ODI a ‘touch and go’ situation, and his progress will be under close observation.
Iyer sustained the injury while fielding at backward point, attempting to catch a mistimed shot from Alex Carey. He sprinted and made a spectacular grab, but the impact of his landing on the ground aggravated his rib area, causing him significant discomfort. The team physio provided immediate assistance before he was taken for further medical evaluation.
In happier news for India, the team secured a resounding nine-wicket victory in the Sydney ODI, chasing down Australia’s score of 237 with plenty of overs to spare. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli anchored the successful run chase. The focus now rests on Shreyas Iyer’s recovery and his potential return to the Indian side.