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India’s ODI campaign against South Africa later this month could see the absence of their new vice-captain Shreyas Iyer after the batter suffered a painful rib injury during the just-concluded series in Australia. The setback occurred while Iyer was fielding in the third ODI at Sydney where he injured his left rib cage after taking a diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey. The incident has now cast serious doubts over his participation in India’s first ODI against South Africa scheduled for November 30 in Ranchi.
Shreyas Iyer’s rib injury raises doubts over South Africa ODIs
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Iyer was immediately rushed for scans and preliminary results indicate a ‘jerk’ to the left rib cage that could sideline him for three weeks or more. Although the injury is not confirmed to be a fracture, the timeline leaves limited room for full recovery before the South Africa series opener.
According to reports from the Indian medical team, Iyer will undergo further assessment at the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence upon his return to India. Sources of PTI within the BCCI suggested that if the tests reveal even a minor hairline fracture, the recovery could extend beyond the initial three-week window.
“He will have to report to the Centre of Excellence on his return. Further reports are awaited before one can conclude if he will require more time for recovery. If it is a hairline fracture then it might take longer,” BCCI sources revealed.
The 30-year-old right-hander who recently resumed ODI duties after managing a recurring back problem had shown signs of returning to form in the Australia series, scoring a fluent 61 in Adelaide while employing a revised batting stance. However, the latest injury threatens to halt that momentum at a critical point in the ODI season.
A BCCI official closely monitoring the situation noted that it was “too early to confirm” Iyer’s availability for the first ODI in Ranchi, adding that his participation would depend entirely on medical clearance following physiotherapy and rest. The injury occurred in the final ODI while Iyer sprinted backward from point to complete a difficult catch and landed heavily on his ribs. He was seen grimacing in pain before being escorted off the field by the team physio Kamlesh Jain.
Also READ: Top 5 players with most ODI hundreds against Australia ft. Rohit Sharma
India may explore backup options ahead of the Ranchi opener
If Iyer is ruled out of the series, the Indian selectors may have to explore backup middle-order options. In his absence, players like Sanju Samson or Rinku Singh could be considered to fill the role, given their recent domestic and international performances in the format.
Another possibility could be promoting KL Rahul to the number four spot, with the management looking to maintain balance in the batting unit. Iyer’s injury also highlights the ongoing workload challenges for India’s core ODI players who continue to manage recurring physical issues amid a congested schedule.
Meanwhile, India concluded the series in Australia on a high with a nine-wicket win powered by Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 121 and Virat Kohli’s 74 in a successful chase of 237, but the focus has now shifted to ensuring the long-term fitness of their newly-appointed ODI vice-captain.
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