In a disappointing turn of events for Indian cricket, key batsman Shreyas Iyer has been sidelined for a minimum of three weeks following a rib injury sustained in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney. The incident occurred on October 25 while Iyer was taking a challenging catch to dismiss Alex Carey. Despite successfully grabbing the ball, his landing was compromised, leading to a forceful impact on his left rib cage.
Following the match, Iyer underwent scans. Preliminary medical findings point to a significant discomfort in his ribs, necessitating at least a three-week break from cricket. The full extent of the injury is still under review, and there’s a possibility that recovery might take longer if it involves a minor fracture. He will need to undergo rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence.
This injury casts a shadow over Iyer’s participation in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting with the first match on November 30 in Ranchi. The three-week recovery timeline means his availability is uncertain, with officials stating it could be a very close call. His progress will be continuously monitored.
The catch that led to the injury involved Iyer sprinting from backward point to take a high skier off Harshit Rana’s bowling. While the catch itself was exceptional, the subsequent awkward landing on his rib area caused him visible pain. He was promptly attended to by the medical team and taken for further assessment.
India achieved a dominant nine-wicket win in the Sydney ODI, successfully chasing down 237 runs with ease, thanks to brilliant batting from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Iyer’s absence from the batting order was not felt due to the comfortable victory. The focus now shifts to his rehabilitation and return to the squad.