The ongoing Ranji Trophy final between Mumbai and Vidarbha has once again brought attention to Shreyas Iyer's persistent back issue, which flared up once more during the fixture. The recent development sparked fresh worries about his fitness, casting doubt on his availability for the final day of Ranji Trophy final and potentially impacting his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
As per a report in Times of India (TOI), Iyer had to leave the field to undergo scans due to discomfort in his back. Moreover, the Mumbai batter had to receive treatment from physio twice during the match due to back spasms. This injury is particularly concerning as Iyer had undergone surgery for the same issue last year. As per the TOI report, with the final day of the Ranji Trophy approaching and the IPL set to commence on March 22, it seems unlikely that Iyer will be fit to participate in either.
"It is not looking good. It is the same back injury which has aggravated. It is unlikely he will take the field on Day 5 of the Ranji Trophy final. He is in danger of missing the initial matches of the IPL," a source told Times Of India in the report.
Shreyas Iyer had previously raised concerns about this injury during the recent India vs England five-match Test series.
"During the recently-held Test series against England at home, he had told the Indian team management about this injury troubling him again," the source said.
Contrary to concerns raised, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) back then had stated that Iyer does not have any new injury concerns.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will kickstart their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with a high-octane clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Kolkata on March 23. The first match of IPL 2024 will be played between CSK and RCB on March 22.