India’s cricket fans received a concerning update as Shreyas Iyer’s sudden back injury continues to be a source of trouble, potentially sidelining him for Tuesday’s Asia Cup Super 4 game against Sri Lanka.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), along with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff and the local team management in Colombo, are closely monitoring his condition. However, sources suggest that Iyer is unlikely to be available for the crucial second Super 4 game.
The setback unfolded during the team’s warm-up session, as Iyer experienced a debilitating back spasm. Skipper Rohit Sharma revealed during the toss that this issue was identified during the pre-match preparations, ultimately forcing Iyer out of the lineup. In an unexpected turn of events, KL Rahul was drafted into the playing XI just five minutes before the toss.
Rohit Sharma commended Rahul’s resilience, praising his performance in the match against Pakistan. Rahul, who replaced Iyer in the squad, rose to the occasion impressively. Rohit noted, “And then KL, to return from injury and then find out 5 minutes before the toss that he’s playing, and to perform the way he did, it shows the mindset of the player.”
Although there is hope that Shreyas Iyer may become available for selection in the later games of the Asia Cup, there are currently no plans to send him back home. Some suggestions have arisen about resting certain players, given the rigorous schedule with back-to-back matches, but it appears that Iyer will not be among those considered for replacement. The team management is leaning towards maintaining the same XI that faced Pakistan.
KL Rahul, reflecting on his remarkable comeback innings, revealed his initial nervousness but quickly settled into his stride. He said, “Obviously, this is my first international match after a long time. I played a couple of practice games, but we all know the intensity is not the same.” Rahul’s unbeaten 111 demonstrated his ability to adapt to the high-pressure international scene once more, despite the initial jitters. Unfortunately, his rhythm was disrupted by rain.