Big Blow to India! Star Batter Ruled Out of South Africa ODI Series
India batter Shreyas Iyer doubtful for South Africa ODIs after suffering a rib injury during the Sydney ODI against Australia.
India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is facing a tight deadline to recover in time for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi.
The right-hander injured his left rib while taking a diving catch during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
According to a PTI report, Shreyas was immediately taken for scans after feeling discomfort on the field.
Early reports suggest a possible jerk or even a hairline fracture in his rib cage. He is expected to be out for at least three weeks, which puts his participation in the first ODI in serious doubt.
A BCCI source told PTI that Iyer will have to report to the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence once he returns to India.
“If it turns out to be a hairline fracture, he might need more time to recover,” the source said.
The 30-year-old was seen in visible pain after taking the catch of Australia’s Alex Carey off Harshit Rana’s bowling. Physio Kamlesh Jain rushed to the field before escorting him out for further checks.
The BCCI later confirmed that he had suffered an injury to his left rib cage and was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Shreyas currently represents India only in ODIs after taking a break from red-ball cricket due to recurring back problems. Despite consistent IPL form for Punjab Kings, he hasn’t found a place in the T20 squad in recent times.
