Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer is facing the prospect of missing the last three Tests against England due to a stiff back, as reported by the Indian Express on Friday (February 9). Rajkot (February 15-19), Ranchi (February 23-27), and Dharamsala (March 7-11) will host the upcoming Test matches.
Iyer, who complained of stiffness in the back and pain in the groin area while executing a forward defence, will undergo further examination at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, sources reveal. Expected to make a comeback next month during the Indian Premier League (IPL), Iyer has communicated to the Indian team management and medical staff about the discomfort he experiences after facing more than 30 deliveries.
“Iyer communicated to the Indian team management and medical staff that his back became stiff after facing more than 30 balls. Additionally, he experiences pain in his groin while executing a forward defence. Post-surgery, the medical advice is for him to take a few weeks of rest due to this new development. Subsequently, he will proceed to the National Cricket Academy (NCA),” a source said to The Indian Express.
Concerns arose regarding Iyer’s participation in the third Test as his playing kits were sent to his Mumbai residence instead of being directly dispatched to the venue in Rajkot, along with the rest of the squad’s equipment.
The BCCI is likely to announce India’s squad for the final three Tests on Friday, February 9. KL Rahul, reportedly fit and available for selection, might step in for Iyer, who occupied the No. 4 position in the second Test.
While there is no official update on Virat Kohli’s availability, the former Indian skipper is likely to remain unavailable for the remaining fixtures, having missed the first two Tests due to personal reasons. The absence of both Iyer and Kohli would present a significant challenge for the Indian team in the upcoming Test series against England.