Shreyas Iyer is likely to be out for three weeks:India Vice-captain suffers rib injury in Sydney against Australia in 3rd ODI – Report

India’s new ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, could be sidelined for at least three weeks after suffering a rib cage injury during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on Saturday. The injury occurred while Iyer took a stunning catch to dismiss Alex Carey off Harshit Rana’s bowling. According to reports, Iyer was immediately taken to the hospital for scans during the match. The initial diagnosis revealed a “jerk” on his left rib cage, and the BCCI medical team has advised rest and further evaluation. His participation in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi, remains uncertain. ‘Shreyas was taken to the hospital for scans during the match’ – BCCI source A BCCI source, speaking to PTI on the condition of anonymity, shared details about the injury. “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,” the source said. The source added, “He will have to report to the Centre of Excellence on his return. Further reports are awaited before one can conclude if he will require more time for recovery. If it is a hairline fracture then it might take longer.” Also read: Watch: Virat Kohli celebrates his first run after two ducks: Shreyas Iyer injures him while taking Superman catch When asked about Iyer’s availability for the South Africa series, the source replied, “It is too early to say. If it is three weeks before RTP (Return To Play), then there is a chance that it could be touch and go before November 30.” Painful fall after brilliant catch The incident occurred when Alex Carey attempted a miscued slash that went high towards third man. Iyer, fielding at backward point, sprinted back and managed to take a superb catch while maintaining his balance. However, as he landed heavily, he felt sharp pain in his left rib cage. Team physio Kamlesh Jain immediately attended to him and escorted him off the field before he was taken for precautionary scans. The BCCI later confirmed, “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.” Iyer’s ODI form and future schedule The 30-year-old batter, who has been focusing solely on ODI cricket due to his back issues, is currently just 83 runs short of 3000 ODI runs. In the recently concluded series, he scored 61 runs with a new batting stance during the second ODI in Adelaide. Also read: RO-KO light up Sydney with record-breaking show: Virat overtakes Tendulkar-Sangakkara in ODIs India eventually won the final ODI by nine wickets, with Rohit Sharma (121)* and Virat Kohli (74)* guiding the team home. However, Iyer’s injury has left the team management with an anxious wait ahead of the crucial South Africa tour.