Indian cricket fans may have to wait longer to see Shreyas Iyer back in action as the talented batsman continues to battle a back injury. After undergoing surgery earlier this year and missing key tournaments, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the World Test Championship Final, Iyer’s recovery has hit a roadblock. With the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 horizon, the Indian cricket team might have to find alternatives to fill the void left by Iyer’s absence.
During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, Iyer sustained a back injury that required surgery. Following the procedure, he was rehabilitated at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. However, recent reports suggest that the 28-year-old is still experiencing some discomfort in his back. The Times of India reported that Iyer recently received an injection to alleviate the pain but has yet to completely recover.
“Iyer recently took an injection for his back pain at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy. His back is still giving him trouble,” a source told TOI.
Before his injury, Shreyas Iyer played a crucial role in India’s One Day International (ODI) team. However, his absence has forced the team management to explore other options for the middle-order batting positions. Iyer’s exclusion from the squads for the West Indies tour further hinted at his ongoing rehabilitation process and the uncertainty surrounding his return to competitive cricket.
The Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled for August 31 and September 17. Co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the tournament will serve as valuable preparation for the ODI Cup 2023, set to take place in India later in October-November. The absence of Iyer from the team poses a challenge for the Indian management, as they will need to identify suitable replacements to maintain the team’s balance and batting depth.
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Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to injury, is expected to return during the Ireland T20Is. Bumrah’s return would provide a much-needed boost to the Indian team, as his presence and form can greatly impact the team’s overall performance.
Apart from Iyer, another setback for the Indian team is the questionable fitness of KL Rahul. His potential absence further complicates matters for the team’s middle-order composition. The Indian management will identify suitable replacements for both Rahul and Iyer, aiming to maintain the team’s competitiveness and balance.
