Ind vs Aus ODIs: India fielding coach T Dilip, on Wednesday, officially confirmed that star middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who is struggling with a recurring lower-back injury, will miss the upcoming India vs Australia three-match ODI series, starting Friday.
ALSO READ | Mohammad Kaif Opens Up On 'Dhoni Vs Ganguly' Debate, Answers When Will Rishabh Pant Return
A report by PTI suggests there's a very thin chance of Iyer getting match-fit for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, which means he will miss at least the first half of the T20 tournament, which begins from March 31. Iyer plays for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL. The stylish batter is currently back in Bangalore's National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehab but it couldn't be confirmed whether he would also require surgery for his back issue. Notably, if Iyer undergoes surgery, he could miss the entire IPL 2023.
"Injuries are a part and parcel of the game. We have the best medical facilities and they are well-equipped… We are in co-ordination (with NCA). Shreyas ruled out of this series. (We will be able to provide) further update as and when we know," told India's fielding coach T Dilip told media in his debut press conference, PTI reported.
ALSO READ | From Rishabh Pant To Jasprit Bumrah, Star Cricketers Who Will Miss IPL 2023
Shreyas Iyer has been struggling with his lower back issue since January 2023. The injury forced him to miss ODI series against New Zealand at home, ODI series in Sri Lanka and Ind vs Aus 1st Test in Nagpur. However, after 15 days of rehab at the NCA, he made a comeback in 2nd Test vs Australia. Iyer batted in 2nd and 3rd Tests vs Australia and was expected to bat in 4th Test as well but his back issue prevented him from doing so.