India’s vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer’s, participation in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa is uncertain. After the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, India will play three ODIs in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam.
The Test series will get underway on November 14 at the Eden Gardens, while the ODI series will kick off on November 30 in Ranchi. Well, Shreyas Iyer recently returned from Australia but is still recovering from the injury he suffered on the Australia tour.
Shreyas Iyer doubtful for South Africa ODIs as injury recovery continues
According to medical reports, the stylish right-handed batter will need over a month to be fully fit to return to competitive cricket, making him unavailable for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa.
The BCCI and selectors are taking a cautious approach, making sure he is not rushed back too soon to the action.
A BCCI source was quoted as saying by The Indian Express: “He will take more time to be fully match fit, and the board and selection committee don’t want to rush after his injury. He is doubtful for the South Africa ODI series.”
Shreyas Iyer’s future uncertain after terrifying injury
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has faced a terrifying health scare after sustaining a serious injury during the third and final ODI against Australia. He collapsed on the field after attempting a diving catch in the third ODI at Sydney Cricket Ground, and his oxygen levels dropped to a dangerous 50.
For several minutes, the Indian vice-captain could barely stand, and he experienced a complete blackout before finally regaining consciousness. Iyer was immediately rushed to a Sydney hospital, where he was treated for a lacerated spleen and internal bleeding.
The 30-year-old was discharged last week, but doctors have warned that full recovery will take time. Before the scare, Shreyas Iyer had played two innings on the Australia tour, scoring 11 in Perth and 68 in Adelaide. India had lost the ODI series 1-2 to Australia.
Iyer has so far played 14 Tests, 73 ODIs, and 51 T20Is for India, amassing 811, 2917, and 1104 runs, respectively. The Mumbai batter has 6 centuries and 28 half-centuries to his name in international cricket. This injury put his Iyer’s Test and T20I comeback in serious doubt.
Sourav Ganguly demands clarity on Mohammed Shami’s exclusion
Meanwhile, former Indian captain and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly has raised questions over the continued absence of fast bowler Mohammed Shami from the Indian cricket team. Shami last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Even though Shami has been performing strongly in domestic cricket for Bengal, especially in the Ranji Trophy, he was not included in India’s recent white-ball series against Australia or even for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
Reports have suggested that fitness issues might be the reason behind his exclusion. However, Ganguly, who has been closely following Shami’s performances in Bengal cricket, believes the experienced pacer still has a lot to offer at the international level.
Ganguly said at an event in Kolkata, “Shami is great; he’s bowling exceptionally well. I’m sure the selectors are watching… But if you ask me in terms of fitness and skill, it’s Mohammed Shami we know of.”