India have suffered a massive setback ahead of the three-ODI series against Australia. Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the series owing to a recurring lower-back injury, confirmed India fielding coach T Dilip.
"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," Dilip told the reporters ahead of first ODI at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Iyer made a comeback after missing the first Test in Nagpur where Suryakumar Yadav made his India debut in red-ball cricket. He complained of back pain during the Ahmedabad Test and was taken for scans. He was ruled out of the fourth Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 midway.
It is also a possibility that the 28-year-old may miss the entirety of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. It will be a big blow for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as they will have to appoint a new captain. Nitish Rana, Tim Southee and Shakib Al Hasan are few candidates for KKR's captaincy in the upcoming season.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce Iyer’s replacement for the three-ODI series. Sanju Samson may return to the ODI squad in Iyer’s absence. Also, Suryakumar may get an extended run in the middle-order despite not living up to the expectations in the 50-over format.
Also, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will miss the first ODI due to personal commitments. In his absence, Pandya will lead the Indian side against Steve Smith-led side. Smith is leading Australia as Pat Cummins has decided to stay at home after his mother passed away.
India’s updated ODI squad for Australia series: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubmann Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Jaydev Unadkat
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