India’s ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, is currently out of action with the rib injury that he picked up during the previous three-match 50-over series against Australia last month. He looked to grab a catch of Alex Carey while running backward and fell awkwardly before being stretched out of the ground by the physio and team doctor, and was admitted to the Sydney hospital for several days.

The 30-year-old, who returned to India recently, was seen at an event alongside his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise- Punjab Kings- owner, Preity Zinta, and teammate, Shashank Singh. The former puts a tweet to inform of a massive update on Iyer’s recovery process.

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“Sometimes the most Unplanned and Impromptu evenings are the best. Happy Birthday, Shashank, once again. So happy to see you and so happy to see Shreyas recovering well and coming out (for once 🤩). Thank you, Rohini, for always being awesome ❤️ Loved bumping into Dino as always.” Preity Zinta wrote on his X account (formerly known as Twitter).

Preity Zinta provides massive latest injury update on Shreyas Iyer

Iyer’s participation in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting on November 30, remains in doubt. The three games will be played in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam, as the middle-order batsman would need more time to get fit from the injury he picked up and return to international cricket.

Sometimes the most Unplanned and Impromptu evenings are the best. Happy Birthday Shashank once again. So happy to see you and so happy to see Shreyas recovering well and coming out ( for once 🤩) Thank you Rohini for always being awesome ❤️ Loved bumping into Dino as always 🤩… pic.twitter.com/hhc1XLdYie

— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) November 22, 2025

“He will take more time to be fully match fit, and the board and selection committee don’t want to rush after his injury. He is doubtful for the South Africa ODI series.” The BCCI reports, as quoted by the Indian Express. Iyer’s oxygen had dropped to 50, and for ten minutes, he wasn’t able to stand properly. There was a complete blackout around him, and it took him some time to come back to normal.

Along with Iyer, India will be without their ODI captain, Shubman Gill, who picked up a nerve injury. KL Rahul is likely to be the frontrunner to be the new leader with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning for the first series at home for India since January 2025.

Team India batter Shreyas Iyer was seen getting angry at security personnel who forcefully clicked pictures with him. In a video shared on social media, the right-handed batter expressed clear displeasure and reminded the security person that his job was to help him walk freely, not stop him for photos. The incident quickly gained attention and sparked reactions online.

Iyer has not played for India since the third ODI against Australia last month at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). During that match, he suffered a rib injury while taking an outstanding catch to dismiss Alex Carey. Although the catch was brilliant, the Mumbai-born cricketer hurt his rib and walked off the field immediately. A later update revealed that he had suffered internal bleeding, which was controlled after a minor procedure, and his recovery has been progressing well.

Meanwhile, the video of the Indian middle-order batter showing frustration with the security person continues to go viral. Reports also suggest that the prolific right-hander is unlikely to be fully fit for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30.

Iyer Retained by PBKS and Coming Off a Strong IPL Season

Shreyas Iyer is one of 21 players retained by Punjab Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 auction to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. The franchise, led by the Mumbai-born star, was the runner up in IPL 2025 after a heartbreaking defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Iyer had a great season with the bat despite the defeat.

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He ended IPL 2025 as PBKS’ highest run-scorer, smashing 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33, alongside a superb strike rate of 175.07. However, he managed only one run in the final, where PBKS failed to chase down 191. Even so, his form throughout the season was a big positive for the team, and PBKS will hope he returns fully fit ahead of IPL 2026.

The middle-order Indian batter, Shreyas Iyer, is set to be out of action for more time as he continues to recover from the blunt-force abdominal injury that he sustained during the third ODI of the previous trip against Australia down under. The 30-year-old landed awkwardly while completing the catch of Alex Carey and was taken off the field soon after by the physios. 

It was primarily suspected to be a routine injury, but things got serious when Iyer was admitted to the IC due to the internal bleeding. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reported that the injury had caused a laceration to his spleen. Though Shreyas was soon discharged from the hospital, it had become confirmed that he would be out of contention for some period.

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It has been learnt that the Mumbai batter, who is now a shot of missing the upcoming three-match ODI series at home against South Africa and could also remain unavailable for the home New Zealand series next January, underwent an ultrasonography (USG) scan near his residence this week.

Shreyas Iyer undergoes USG in Mumbai as latest scans bring positive news

The USG images were reviewed by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, as it has been claimed that the latest scans have brought positive updates. Iyer has been strictly advised to avoid the intra-abdominal pressure for the next four weeks. He will also have to undergo the USG scan at the two-month mark.

Shreyas will be allowed to begin his rehab at the Centre of Excellence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) only after the results of the next scan. Given the cautious rehab process, the batter will now need to spend nearly 10 weeks on the sidelines, and that will see him missing multiple international assignments, including the ODI series against the Proteas and the Blackcaps.

The 30-year-old has collected 2917 runs in 67 innings of the ODI format at an average of 47.81 and a strike rate of 99 with the help of five centuries and 23 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 128 runs.

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.

After the conclusion of the ongoing India vs Australia white-ball series, the Men in Blue brigade will face South Africa for the multi-format series at home. Ahead of the highly anticipated assignment, one of the major concerns for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the injury of Shreyas Iyer.

Iyer is doubtful for the upcoming series against South Africa after the injury he sustained to his rib during an ODI match against Australia. The injury was serious. Iyer was admitted to the ICU of a hospital in Sydney for medical support. According to the latest updates, the middle-order batter was out of danger and recovering quickly. But will he be fit enough to take part in the South Africa series? As of now, probably not.

Iyer did well in the Australia tour, and it was strongly believed that the batter was a part of the BCCI plan for the IND vs. SA ODI series. As he is unlikely to take part in the competition, who can fill his shoes?

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Rishabh is likely to be included in IND vs SA ODI team

Latest reports indicate that in place of Iyer, the board can consider Rishabh Pant. Pant, who was out of the action for weeks because of a knee injury, recently returned as the India A team skipper against South Africa A team in a multi-day match, where he played a 90-run innings for a winning cause.

If BCCI decides to conclude Pant for the IND vs SA ODI series, then it will be a tough hurdle for the keeper-batter. Pant last participated in a 50-over game on August 7, 2024, against Sri Lanka, when he scored only 6 runs. So far in 2025, the southpaw has not taken part in any One Day International game. In 2024, he featured in an ODI game in only one instance. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a massive statement on Shreyas Iyer’s fitness ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa at home. The middle-order batter, as per the BCCI news, has been discharged from the hospital in Sydney as the medical team is pleased with the batter’s recovery. 

Iyer was admitted to the hospital after picking up the injury during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Australia's Alex Carey’s mistimed shot went into he air when Iyer ran backward from the point region and grabbed the catch, but he fell awkwardly onto the ground and picked up the injury.

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“The injury was promptly identified, and the bleeding was immediately arrested following a minor procedure. He has undergone appropriate medical management for the same. He is now stable and recovering well. The BCCI Medical Team, along with specialists in Sydney and India, is pleased with his recovery, and he has been discharged from the hospital today.” The BCCI issued the statement.

BCCI confirms Shreyas Iyer’s discharge from Sydney hospital after full recovery

In the same release, the BCCI also addressed that Iyer would stay in Sydney for a couple more days to consult with the doctors and would return to India once he is deemed fit to fly. They also thanked the doctors for their contributions to the batter’s progress in the medical condition.

“The BCCI extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr Kouroush Haghigi and his team in Sydney, along with Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala in India, for ensuring Shreyas received the best treatment for his injury. Shreyas will continue to stay in Sydney for follow-up consultations and will return to India once he is deemed fit to fly.” The BCCI shed light in the same statement.

According to reports, despite the recovery, Iyer is expected to be ruled out of the next two months and is expected to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa at home. However, he could return to the national side for the home 50-over series against New Zealand, starting in the second week of January.

India’s middle-order batter, Shreyas Iyer, is likely to be out of competitive cricket for nearly two months as he suffered an internal injury during the third ODI of the three-match series against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Iyer could miss the upcoming three-match home ODI series against South Africa but could come back for the New Zealand series, starting on January 11.

During the Sydney clash, Ausralia's Alex Caery looked to sweep the spinner as the ball flew in the air towards the point region before Iyer ran back towards the boundary rope and grabbed a fine catch. He fell in the wrong way on the ground and looked in serious pain as the doctor came to shoulder him out of the field. A week later, Iyer provided his fitness update.

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“I am currently in the recovery process and getting better every passing day. I am deeply grateful to see all the kind wishes and support I have received- it truly means a lot. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts.” The Mumbai-born shared on his Instagram story.

“Keep getting better”- Shreyas Iyer shares fitness update on Instagram story

The BCCI put out a statement on Shreyas Iyer’s injury. It was known to be a blunt injury to his abdomen, resulting in a laceration of his spleen with internal bleeding during the third ODI against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

🚨 INSTAGRAM STORY OF SHREYAS IYER 🚨

- Wishing a speedy recovery for Shreyas! pic.twitter.com/qzYkED8MuH

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 30, 2025

“The injury was promptly identified, and the bleeding was immediately arrested. His condition is now stable, and he continues to be under observation. A repeat scan done on Tuesday, 28th October, has shown significant improvement, and Shreyas is on the road to recovery. The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, will continue to monitor his progress.” The BCCI stated.

The BCCI also made special arrangements to bring Shreyas’ parents and his sister, Shreata, to Sydney to join and help the player out there. Iyer also had a back injury for which he decided not to play red-ball domestic games for six months, as he informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

During the auspicious moment of the Chhath Puja celebrations, the mother of Suryakumar Yadav was spotted offering prayers to the almighty for the speedy recovery of Shreyas Iyer, who sustained a serious injury during the Australia vs. India 3rd ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Because of the seriousness of the injury, he had to be admitted to the ICU of a hospital in Sydney. 

On October 25, BCCI informed about Iyer's injury, "Shreyas Iyer sustained an injury to his left rib cage while fielding. He has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation and assessment of his injury."

Later, it was reported that the vice-captain of the Indian ODI team was admitted to the ICU, which caused worry among cricket fans. 

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On October 28, the board informed that the condition of Iyer had improved and he was on the way to recovery: "The injury was promptly identified, and the bleeding was immediately arrested. His condition is now stable, and he continues to be under observation. A repeat scan done on Tuesday, 28th October, has shown significant improvement, and Shreyas is on the road to recovery. The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, will continue to monitor his progress."

During the day of Chhath Puja, a video went viral on social media platforms, where we can see Yadav's mother praying for Iyer's recovery.

Suryakumar Yadav's mother offered prayers for Shreyas Iyer's quick recovery

"Main ye bolna chahti hu ki Shreyas Iyer ke liye sab log pray kijiye, kyunki maine suna ki uski tabiyat theek nahi hai. Mujhe bilkul acha nahi laga," she can be heard saying while performing the ritual. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Later, Suryakumar Yadav's statement brought a lot of relief to the Indian cricket fans as he stated that everything was normal. "We have been talking for two days now. He has been replying. If he is replying on the phone, it means he is stable. There is also a doctor there, so it is looking good. I mean, he is good. He is talking. Everything is normal. He said that he will take care of himself for a few more days. But he has been replying, talking to everyone, so it is good," Yadav informed. 

Just two days after Shreyas Iyer left the field in discomfort during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, fresh details about his condition have emerged.

According to a report by ‘TimesofIndia.com’, India’s vice-captain continues to receive medical treatment at a Sydney hospital. Doctors are closely monitoring his progress following the on-field injury.

After taking that fascinating catch, Shreyas immediately fell on ground and was feeling the pain. Later he was taken to hospital for immediate medical support, where he got to know about his critical spleen injury. Doctors are taking care of him very well and the BCCI team is also closely monitoring his condition. Now his further participation in upcoming matches is uncertain due to the injury.

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Shreyas Iyer Suffers a Serious Injury After Taking a Splendid Catch:

Shreyas got injured in the third ODI match, where he was running forward to take the catch of Alex Carey and fell down awkwardly on the ground. That cost him an injury near his rib cage with internal bleeding and severe pain. Primarily, he was under observation in the dressing room under the BCCI medical team. 

Later, when his condition deteriorated, he was immediately taken to the hospital and admitted to the ICU for further extensive treatment. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav later provided Shreyas’s health update. He informed that Shreyas is out of the ICU and recovering well. He also informed that BCCI is in constant touch with the hospital and is supporting them to the fullest.

Some Serious Injuries Occurred on the Cricket Field in the Past:

Before Shreyas’s critical injury, the Cricket world had witnessed similar critical injuries, even worse. As he is on his recovery path, it will be worth revisiting some shocking injury incidents that happened during live matches.

Nari Contractor (1962) — Skull Fracture

Former Indian opener Nari Contractor faced a severe injury while playing against the West Indies. He was hit in the head by a bouncer by the pacer Charlie Griffith, which resulted in a fractured skull. He was in a coma as well due to that injury. His recovery path hadn’t been easy at all. He needed multiple surgeries. Also his teammates and the opponent captain gave blood to save him. Sadly, the injury ended his international cricket career permanently.

Raman Lamba (1998) — Fatal Head Injury

While fielding close at short leg during a league game in Dhaka, Raman Lamba was hit on the temple by a fierce pull shot from Mehrab Hossain. Though he walked off without assistance, he later suffered severe internal bleeding. Despite medical efforts, he tragically passed away three days later. Sadly, he had chosen not to wear a helmet for just three deliveries of the over.

Jason Gillespie (1999) — Broken Leg

During a Test match against Sri Lanka in Kandy, Jason Gillespie collided with his teammate Steve Waugh while going for a catch. The unfortunate coalition cost him a broken leg. His teammate Waugh’s nose was also fractured. Gillespie had to be stretchered off the field and was sidelined for several games following the incident.

Saba Karim (2000) – Eye Injury

During an Asia Cup match against Bangladesh, former Indian wicket-keeper Saba Karim suffered a serious eye injury. It happened when Anil Kumble was bowling, and unfortunately, his ball deflected towards Saba’s face. The injury in his eye seriously damaged his vision, which forced him to take retirement from international cricket.

Mark Boucher (2012) — Eye Injury

During a tour game against Somerset, South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher suffered a severe eye injury after being struck by a bail while keeping to Imran Tahir. Because of that critical injury, Mark had to take early retirement from international cricket. Although his retina was ok, his pupil and iris were badly damaged and he had to go through multiple medical procedures to recover from the deadly injury.

Phillip Hughes (2014) — Fatal Head Injury

During a Sheffield Shield match, Australian batter Phillip Hughes was hit on the neck by a bouncer from Sean Abbott. That critical injury suffered him a vertebral artery injury, which further turned into a fatal brain haemorrhage. Hughes tragically passed away two days later, leading to significant improvements in cricket helmet safety standards worldwide.

Shreyas Iyer discharged from the ICU of a hospital in Sydney, Australia—relief for Indian cricket fans. Though, concerns remain. After the Australia tour, India is set to face South Africa for a multiple-format series at home. After a 2-match Test series, a 3-match ODI is scheduled to be played between these two teams. For the recently concluded India vs Australia ODI series, BCCI named Iyer as the vice-captain of the team. 

It was expected to see him during the ODI series against South Africa as well. But the unfortunate injury changed the equation. Iyer is now uncertain for the highly anticipated competition. If the middle-order batter remains outside of the field during the upcoming India vs. South Africa ODI series, then who can take his place?

3 players who have the potential to replace injured Shreyas Iyer:

1. Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson can be an ideal replacement if Iyer remains unfit to play. Samson is mostly known for his attacking batting at the top of the batting line-up, but the board put him in the middle order during the Asia Cup 2025. In the new role, the prolific batter lacked no skill during the tournament. Samson's ODI stats are more than impressive. The keeper-batter so far has played 14 ODI innings for Team India to score 510 runs at an average of 56.66.

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2. Rishabh Pant: Another Team India cricketer who is currently out of action due to injury. He is currently going through the recovery phase and is expected to come back to the field soon. If the team management wants to select a proven middle-order talent, then Pant can be the best probable fit. The swashbuckling batter has the ability to change the color of a match single-handedly. In 31 ODI matches, the keeper-batter has so far gained 871 runs at an average of 33.50. Pant last participated in the format on August 7, 2024. 

3. Ishan Kishan: His recent performance is the reason to drag his name into the list. For the last few months, Ishan Kishan, another keeper-batter, has been in tremendous form, scoring runs for fun. With the experience of scoring 933 runs at an average of 42.40 in 27 ODIs, he can be a surprising pick for the spot. It is worth mentioning that Ishan has prior experience batting at the number 4 spot, where Shreyas Iyer used to play.