Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has sustained a serious abdominal injury — a lacerated spleen caused by blunt trauma — during the third ODI against Australia on October 25, an incident that has sidelined him indefinitely and raised major concerns about his immediate playing future. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a detailed medical update on November 1, confirming internal bleeding but assuring that Iyer is now stable and recovering under close medical supervision.
The injury occurred while Iyer was fielding during Australia’s innings. Attempting a difficult diving catch in the deep, he landed heavily on his left side. At first, the impact looked like a routine fielding bruise, but moments later he was visibly in discomfort and had to be taken off the field. Scans conducted later in Sydney revealed a laceration in his spleen, leading to internal bleeding — a condition that required immediate medical attention.
The BCCI medical team, in coordination with specialists in Australia, performed a minimally invasive procedure to control the internal bleeding. Iyer was admitted to a Sydney hospital and kept under observation for several days. By October 28, his condition had improved enough to communicate regularly with teammates, and he was later discharged after stabilisation. He will remain in Australia for follow-up consultations before flying back to India once fully cleared for travel.
This incident is one of the more serious injuries seen in Indian cricket in recent years — not due to broken bones or muscle tears, but because of the internal nature of the trauma. A lacerated spleen is a high-risk condition that can worsen rapidly if not treated promptly. Medical experts note that such an injury typically requires a rest period of several weeks to months, depending on the extent of internal damage and healing progress.
For India, Iyer’s injury poses a significant setback. He is a key part of the middle order across formats, known for his composure under pressure and ability to counter both spin and pace. His absence leaves a gap that will likely force the selectors and team management to shuffle the batting lineup ahead of the upcoming home series against South Africa. In particular, India may look at options such as Ruturaj Gaikwad or Tilak Varma to step into the role temporarily.
Team captain Suryakumar Yadav, speaking after the incident, said the squad was shaken by the nature of the injury. “It was scary at first. But the good news is that he’s now stable and talking. We just want him to recover fully before thinking about cricket again.”
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Iyer, who has been in strong form since returning from a back injury earlier this year. This new setback will once again test his resilience — both physically and mentally.
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