Shreyas Iyer, a Team India hitter, has complained of back stiffness and groin soreness when playing forward defensive strokes, according to the Indian Express.
The 29-year-old could miss the last three Tests against England. Last March, Shreyas had a similar back injury. He needed surgery. Couldn’t play for six months.
The right-handed hitter returned to action in the Asia Cup and had a fantastic run in the ensuing ODI World Cup, amassing 530 runs at an average of more than 66 in 11 games.
However, his record has subsequently deteriorated alarmingly, particularly in Test cricket, with the elegant batsman on an eight-innings drought without a half-century. Shreyas Iyer hasn’t been at his best with the bat in the current England series, scoring only 104 runs in four innings with an average of 26.
The news of his back flaring up again comes just when Shreyas’ status in the starting XI for the forthcoming Tests was already in doubt. Some X supporters wondered whether the injury was a ploy to have him kicked out of the Test squad for the rest of the England series.
Others expressed sympathy for Shreyas Iyer’ sad recurrence of back ailments.
Here are a few reactions:
“Go back and score runs in domestic cricket” – Pragyan Ojha on Shreyas Iyer’s poor form
The old Indian twirler, Pragyan Ojha, thinks Shreyas Iyer needs to go back to local games. Find his rhythm again. It could help him earn his place back in the Indian Test squads.
With Virat Kohli and KL Rahul expected to return to the Test team, and Shubman Gill hitting a century in his last game, Shreyas’ spot in the playing XI was hanging by a thread.
When questioned about Shreyas’ whereabouts, Ojha informed Colors Cineplex:
“Shreyas Iyer was left slightly behind. When you talk about great batters like Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul has also scored runs, when they return, they will automatically be part of the XI. It’s not that you don’t want to give opportunities, but when great batters are coming and you don’t have that much room, you cannot give them the cushion. So go back and score runs in domestic cricket.”
Pragyan Ojha
Despite a great white-ball record, Shreyas’ Test results have declined, with an overall average of 36.86 in 14 games.
On another topic, the series between India and England is at a tie – 1-1. The third Test kicks off in Rajkot, on February 15.