India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Sydney hospital after suffering internal bleeding resulting from a rib cage injury sustained during the third match against Australia. Sources close to the development have described the injury as having the potential to be “fatal” had the BCCI medical team not acted with such speed.
The worrying incident occurred on Saturday during Iyer’s brilliant backward-running catch to dismiss Alex Carey. While completing the spectacular grab, Iyer appeared to hurt his left rib cage. Though he initially walked off the field, his condition deteriorated sharply in the dressing room.
A source privy to the situation confirmed the seriousness of the injury, stating, “Shreyas has been in ICU for the past couple of days. After the reports came in, internal bleeding was detected, and he had to be admitted immediately.”
The BCCI medical team’s quick response was critical after the 31-year-old’s vital parameters began to fluctuate. “The team doctor and physio didn’t take any chances and took him to the hospital immediately. Things are stable now, but it could have been fatal. He’s a tough lad and should be fine soon,” the source added.
Iyer is currently under strict observation to prevent the spread of infection due to the bleeding and is expected to remain in the ICU for anywhere between two to seven days, depending on his recovery.
The new development means the initial estimate of a three-week lay-off is now likely to be extended. “Since there has been internal bleeding, he will certainly need more time to recover, and at this point, it’s difficult to put a definite timeline on his return to competitive cricket,” the source explained.
The middle-order batsman is not part of India’s upcoming T20 squad and is expected to remain in the Sydney hospital for at least a week before being cleared to travel back to India.
