Shreyas Iyer Injury Update: Back Injury force him out of ODIs against Australia; In doubt for IPL 2023

Shreyas Iyer’s Back Injury has come out as a major setback for the Men in Blue. Team India star batter wasn’t able to bat in the second innings of the fourth Test against Australia in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

The 29-year-old reportedly complained about back pain and was being monitored by the BCCI medical team. He was also taken for scans.

Shreyas Iyer’s Injury Update

In a recent development, it has been stated that the results of the scans weren’t promising and Iyer is likely to miss out on the ODI series against Australia starting on March 17. 

“Shreyas Iyer complained of pain in his lower back following the third day’s play. He has gone for scans and the BCCI Medical Team is monitoring him,” the BCCI statement on Sunday morning read.

This wasn’t the first time that Shreyas Iyer had complained about back spasms. A similar issue caused him to miss out on the ODI series against New Zealand and also the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023.

Injured Shreyas Iyer’s Possible Replacements

This injury has not just left India with a batter shot in a match with so much at stake but has also put Shreyas’ participation in the three-match ODI series in doubt. The 50-over contest, which is arguably India’s hardest assignment before the 2023 World Cup, will start on Friday, March 17.

While Suraykumar Yadav will take up Shreyas’ place in the playing XI, it remains to be seen who takes the right-handed batter’s spot in the squad. Here are three possible options.

• Rahul Tripathi
  Rahul Tripathi was also part of India’s touring party to Bangladesh for the ODI series but did not make his debut. His ultra-aggressive option will give India an x-factor in the line-up, and he should not be ruled out of contention.
  
• Sanju Samson
  Sanju Samson should without question be the favourite to replace Shreyas Iyer. Sanju’s exclusion from the squad after a stunning 2022 in the 50-over format is surprising in itself.
  
• Deepak Hooda
  Deepak Hooda has been part of India’s ODI set up multiple times, and his all-round skill set will be a big attraction.