Shreyas Iyer, the vice-captain of India's ODI team, is believed to be doubtful for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting on November 30. The series will take place in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam, following India's two-Test series starting on November 14. Iyer's unavailability could disrupt India's middle-order stability in what will be a busy international schedule for the national side.

Iyer is still recovering from a rib injury he sustained while playing during the third ODI against Australia last month. While fielding, he was struck on his lower left side of his rib cage, with the injury case eventually propagating to internal bleeding. The injury was worse than what they thought it was at first. Iyer has been instructed by doctors to rest for a minimum of one month before returning to play.

According to an individual in close contact with the Indian cricket Board, Iyer's oxygen level had gone down to 50 during the incident and he blacked out for a short period. After this he was taken to a Sydney hospital, where he was treated for a lacerated spleen and other internal injuries. Iyer has been able to return home, but he is still not well enough to start training. A source with the BCCI has indicated that the selectors do not want to rush his return, and therefore, he is highly unlikely to play in the South Africa series. 

India May Look For Replacements 

Iyer, 30, showed signs of form on the Australia tour, scoring 11 in Perth and a substantial 68 in Adelaide. However, injuries over the past few years have disrupted his form and continued performance.

If Iyer is out of the South Africa ODIs, the selectors will be forced to rethink their middle order plans for the important tournaments next year. While fans are hopeful he will be back to play, all signs suggest the South Africa ODI series lined up starting on November 30 in Ranchi is unlikely for Iyer, pushing the team management to look for the replacement shortly.