Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has been admitted to the ICU in Sydney after suffering internal bleeding from a rib-cage injury during the third ODI against Australia. The injury, described as potentially fatal, has extended his recovery timeline despite stable condition reports. (Image Credit: Cricbuzz)
In a worrying turn of events for Indian cricket, vice-captain of the ODI team Shreyas Iyer has been taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in Sydney after suffering from a serious rib-cage injury during the third ODI against Australia.
What was initially thought to be a minor fielding error became a medical crisis when internal bleeding was discovered. Sources indicate that the episode "could've been fatal" if the medical staff had not acted quickly. Although Iyer is currently stable, recovery may take longer than initially projected.
The incident happened in the third ODI between Australia and India in Sydney, when Shreyas Iyer made a breathtaking backward running catch from backward point to send back Alex Carey. The attempt, although successful, found him awkwardly falling on his left rib cage, clearly grimacing in agony.
When he returned to the dressing room, Iyer experienced intense pain and shortness of breath. The BCCI medical staff detected abnormalities in his vital signs and opted to send him to the hospital immediately. Scans conducted showed that there was a laceration injury of the spleen due to impact on the ribcage, causing internal bleeding.
As per medical professionals, rib injuries of this type are extremely risky since they can result in damage to other essential organs like the lungs and spleen. The quick intervention of the team doctor guaranteed that Iyer got timely treatment, which may have avoided a fatal scenario.
After thorough examination, physicians verified that there was internal haemorrhage caused by the trauma. Iyer was shifted to the ICU for observation where he continues to be on close watch. An insider of the development disclosed,
"Shreyas has been in ICU for the last two days. Once the reports arrived, internal bleeding was identified, and he was admitted immediately. Had it been delayed, it could have been fatal."
He will reportedly be kept under watch for two to seven days, depending on his recovery. The BCCI statement confirmed Iyer is "medically stable" but will need prolonged rest.
"Scans have shown a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well. The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists from Sydney and India, are closely monitoring his status," the statement said.
Initially projected out of commission for roughly three weeks, Iyer's return schedule has since been pushed back and his availability for future international matches is yet to be known.
The injury marred what had otherwise been closely fought ODI series between India and Australia, which Australia won 2-1. India had a point to prove ahead of the third ODI after a dismal beginning to the tour. Though Iyer helped make a good half-century in the second ODI at Adelaide, his non-availability in the third was missed even as India went on to win by a comprehensively convincing nine wickets through unbeaten scores by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Shreyas Iyer had been made vice-captain of the ODI series, and it marked a leadership achievement in his return after a succession of injuries in the last two years. His performance had been promising, and his dedication on the field in the instant of injury was proof of the grit that has characterized his career.
Sadly, this is not Iyer's first affair with medical setbacks. The middle-order batsman has been plagued by chronic back problems, having undergone surgery last year and having missed a number of major tournaments. His repeated injuries even cost him his central contract, although he had battled back into the fray with consistent domestic performances.
In June, Iyer had told the BCCI that he would be taking a six-month break from playing red-ball cricket in order to work on his fitness and endurance training. This latest setback might only extend his rehabilitation period.
Even so, people close to Iyer have painted him as a "tough lad" who will come back stronger. "He's a fighter. This is just another obstacle he'll overcome," said one BCCI functionary.
