Sydney ODI: What is impact of Shreyas Iyer's rib injury?
What's the story
India's ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of action for a minimum of three weeks due to a rib cage injury. The injury was sustained while he was taking an incredible catch to dismiss Australia's Alex Carey during the third ODI match. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Iyer had been taken to the hospital for further evaluation and assessment of his condition.
Incident details
Injury occurred while Iyer took a stunning catch of Carey
The incident took place in the 33rd over of Australia's innings, when Carey attempted to hit debutant Harshit Rana. On the fourth ball, Carey attempted a shot but ended up top edging it toward deep third. Iyer, who was at backward point, ran back with the ball swirling over his shoulder and dived full length to take a stunning tumbling catch.
Recovery prospects
If it's a hairline fracture, recovery might take longer
A source close to the development told media that Iyer's injury has been diagnosed as a "jerk." "Shreyas was taken to the hospital for scans during the match itself. As per initial diagnosis, there has been a jerk and he will have to be out of action for minimum three weeks," stated the source, as quoted by India Today. The source added that if it's a hairline fracture, recovery might take longer.
Series contribution
Iyer is closing in on 3,000 ODI runs
In the recent ODI series against Australia, Iyer has scored 11 and 61 runs in the first two matches. He has played a total of 73 ODIs for India and is just 83 runs short of completing his 3,000-run milestone. His last T20I and Test match appearances for India were in December 2023 and February 2024, respectively.