Reports: Shreyas Iyer advised 10-day rest, call on IPL availability to be taken later

India batter Shreyas Iyer has been reportedly advised to take a 10-day layoff by the team's medical experts. However, his availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season still hangs on a thin thread.

He was struggling with a back injury he sustained on Day 3 of the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad. During day four’s play, he did not come out to bat and the Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) said that the batter had gone for scans after he complained of pain in his lower back. 

Meanwhile, on Day 5, BCCI released a statement regarding the right-handed batter’s availability.

“Shreyas Iyer will take no further part in this Test. A specialist opinion will be sought," the BCCI statement read.

On the eve of India’s first one-day international (ODI) against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, fielding coach T Dilip confirmed Iyer won’t be available for the three-match series.

Shreyas Iyer missed the first Test against Australia in Nagpur due to a similar issue. He was included in the playing XI for the second Test and was pulled out midway through the series decider in Ahmedabad. Earlier, he missed the ODI series against New Zealand as well.

According to a report in Cricbuzz, Shreyas Iyer consulted spine specialist Dr. Abhay Nene in Mumbai and the results of the scans have not been promising. Dr. Nene advised Iyer to undergo the normal procedure and was asked to come back after 10 days

“The results of the initial scans were found to be bad and he was straightaway withdrawn from participating further in the Ahmedabad Test. After returning to his hometown, Mumbai, Iyer consulted specialist Abhay Nene, an expert with Bombay and Lilavati hospitals in the city, who treats spine complications,” the report read.

“Nene is believed to have advised Iyer to undergo the normal procedure that is advised in such situations – rest and rehab. He was told to come back after 10 days and Iyer may know in the next few days about his immediate and long-term future,” added the report.

KKR will play PBKS in their IPL 2023 opener

Shreyas Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2022 season is likely to miss the upcoming edition of the IPL. KKR are heavily dependent on his leadership ability. As the 28-year-old batter is likely to miss the 16th edition of IPL, KKR are now looking for a potential replacement. The IPL 2023 will kick-start on March 31, while KKR will start their campaign against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 1.

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