New Delhi: India’s ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, has taken his first real step back towards competitive cricket, sharing a glimpse of his training nearly a month after suffering a serious spleen injury in Sydney. The setback came during the third ODI against Australia when he landed on his left side awkwardly while attempting a diving catch. What looked like a routine fall turned into something far more dangerous.
The scans even later revealed internal bleeding caused by a spleen laceration, forcing doctors to move him into the ICU for close observation. A minor surgical procedure helped stabilise him but the seriousness of the injury meant there was no rushing his recovery. He spent several days under medical supervision before eventually being discharged although he stayed back in Sydney for follow-up checks before travelling home.
Once he returned to India, Iyer assured fans he was improving “every passing day” but the first clear sign came this week when he posted an Instagram story from an exercise bike. It was a simple story yet it signalled that he had finally begun light training under continued medical supervision.
A long road back but signs are encouraging
The BCCI had earlier confirmed the extent of the injury was a blunt-force abdominal impact that caused internal bleeding and damage to the spleen. It required immediate intervention and constant observation and even after stabilising, the road ahead demanded patience. Spleen injuries are known to carry hidden risks which is why medical experts had already predicted a minimum two-month layoff. Iyer has been routinely monitored by Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala since returning home.
According to recent assessments including an ultrasonography conducted near his residence he is progressing well. The next milestone will come two months from now when another scan will determine whether he can begin full rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
What this means for India’s upcoming fixtures
Despite the positive vibes, Iyer will feature in the white-ball series against South Africa beginning from November 30. He is also unlikely to be considered for the New Zealand T20Is immediately after. His initial appointment as India’s ODI vice-captain, made ahead of the Australia tour now feels like a decision paused rather than lost.
If his recovery continues smoothly then he may return in early 2025, just in time for India’s home T20I series against New Zealand in January. For now, the progress is steady, the signs are good, and his return is not imminent but finally looks a little closer than it did a few weeks ago.