Reports: Shreyas Iyer opts out of surgery, to take decision after medical reassessment

Indian middle-order batting ace Shreyas Iyer, who is suffering from a back injury, has opted against surgery for the time being, according to the latest report by Cricbuzz. While the Kolkata Knight Riders captain is set to miss the initial stages of IPL 2023, surgery will completely rule out his involvement in the upcoming tournament, also casting doubt on his participation in the WTC final, which is scheduled to be played from June 7, 2023.

Shreyas Iyer did not participate in India's first Test against Australia due to a back injury, but returned for the following three matches of the series. However, the 28-year-old complained of back pain during the fourth Test in Ahmedabad and did not come out to bat either. The reoccurrence of his back issue also ruled him out of the recently concluded ODI series.

The National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru is understood to have advised the cricketer to think about his surgery as he might miss the upcoming 50-over World Cup if he goes under the knife. While his participation in the upcoming edition of the IPL, which is scheduled to commence on March 31, seems improbable at the moment, the board is keen to manage his injury without the requirement of an operation.

According to Cricbuzz, the 28-year-old is currently in Mumbai after he was asked to rest for ten days by Mumbai-based spine specialist Dr. Abhay Nene before taking any decision on his surgery. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is monitoring his situation with their eyes on the ODI World Cup later in October-November 2023.

Meanwhile, Iyer's absence was felt by the Indian team in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia as their stranglehold on the bilateral series at home was ended by the Aussies. Suryakumar Yadav, who had replaced the injured star in the team, succumbed to three consecutive golden ducks in the three-match series.

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