Big blow to India after 9-wicket win over Australia in Sydney, star player out of action for at least 3 weeks

In a concerning injury update, India's star batter Shreyas Iyer is reportedly all set to be sidelined for a minimum of three weeks, after picking up a rib injury during the third ODI against Australia at the SCG on October 25. He sustained a jerk to his left rib cage while he was pouching the catch to dismiss Alex Carey off Harshit Rana's bowling.

Injured Shreyas Iyer to stay away from cricket for minimum of 3 weeks

The full extent of the injury and the resulting recovery time are currently unknown. As of now, it cannot be confirmed whether Iyer will be fit to participate in India's first ODI against South Africa, which is scheduled to take place in Ranchi on November 30.

"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. 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," a BCCI source told PTI.

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On being asked about possibility of Iyer's featuring in the upcoming South Africa ODI series, the source indicated that a definitive answer is not yet possible.

"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," the source added.

The incident that caused the injury occurred when Alex Carey attempted a slash that resulted in a high, miscued skier heading toward the third man boundary. Shreyas Iyer, fielding at backward point, reacted immediately, sprinting backward and expertly maintaining his body balance to complete what was a very difficult catch. Unfortunately, he landed hard on the ground, with the impact directly affecting his left rib cage.

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India win 3rd ODI against Australia sans Shreyas Iyer

Iyer was visibly in considerable pain following the collision. He was immediately escorted off the field by team physio Kamlesh Jain and subsequently taken to the hospital for precautionary scans to determine the extent of the damage.

“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," BCCI's release stated.

Rohit Sharma's 121 and Virat Kohli's 74 made sure Iyer don't have to come to bat as India chased down the 237-run target with nine wickets and 69 balls to spare.