Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer is in a stable condition and recovering well after suffering a lacerated spleen during the third and final One Day International (ODI) of India’s tour of Australia, captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old sustained the serious injury while attempting a backpedalling catch to dismiss Australia’s Alex Carey in Sydney on Saturday. The incident occurred midway through Australia’s innings, forcing Iyer to leave the field in visible discomfort.
Indian media had earlier reported that Iyer’s condition was potentially life-threatening, prompting widespread concern among fans and teammates.
Suryakumar Yadav Confirms Iyer’s Condition Is Stable
Speaking ahead of India’s upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia in Canberra, India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav offered a positive update.
“We spoke to him,” Suryakumar told reporters. “When we heard about his injury, I tried to call him, but he didn’t have his phone. I contacted our physio, Kamlesh Jain, who told us that Shreyas is stable. He’s looking good now — we’ve been in touch for two days, and he’s replying to messages. If he’s able to reply, it means he’s stable.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Iyer was taken to a Sydney hospital immediately after the incident for medical evaluation.
“Scans revealed a laceration to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Freak Injury Overshadows India’s Victory
The freak injury occurred when Iyer dived backward to complete a brilliant catch that dismissed Carey — a turning point that helped India secure a nine-wicket win. However, India had already lost the three-match ODI series 1–2, with defeats in Perth and Adelaide earlier in the week.
Iyer, who also serves as vice-captain of the ODI squad, remained under observation in Sydney, where the BCCI’s medical team is working closely with Australian and Indian specialists. While he is said to be recovering well, no timeline has been given for his return to action.
India’s Upcoming Schedule
India’s focus now shifts to the T20I series starting Wednesday, followed by a home ODI series against South Africa beginning on November 30.
Iyer, who has been a key middle-order batsman since his debut in 2017, has accumulated 2,917 runs in 73 ODIs at an impressive average of 47.81. His absence will likely prompt changes in India’s batting lineup ahead of the South Africa series.
“His recovery is our top priority right now,” a BCCI medical official said. “We will not rush him back until he is fully fit.”
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