Shreyas Iyer’s rib cage injury sustained during fielding was described by India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav as a “regrettable incident,” but he is expected to make a full recovery and return home shortly.
Iyer was rushed to a Sydney hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) after suffering a burst spleen and rib cage injuries while fielding during the third ODI against Australia. In a few days, he should be released from the hospital as his condition is now stable.
While attempting a challenging running catch to remove Alex Carey off Harshit Rana’s bowling, the India ODI vice-captain suffered a lower left rib cage injury. Even though the physiotherapist helped him walk off the field at first, his condition eventually worsened as his vital signs declined, necessitating an urgent hospital stay.
He was taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close observation after testing revealed internal bleeding from a spleen laceration.
“Now see, we are not doctors. When we saw from outside, when the catch was taken (by Shreyas), it looked like it was normal,” said India T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav on Tuesday, on the eve of the first T20I against Australia in Canberra.
“But none of us were there, only those who were there can tell what actually happened. So they said after going inside it was felt you will have to pay good attention (to him). Then he was rushed to the specialist, and we were told about what happened.
“After that we talked to him, when he was talking normally, we felt that it is a little better now, because doctors and physios told us that it was an unfortunate incident, which happens rarely. But sometimes rare incidents happened to rare talent.”
It is understood that in his message to the board, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, head of medical services at BCCI, praised the on-field medical personnel for their prompt and effective response, which prevented a potentially dangerous situation.
“God is with his side, he is recovering really well, doctors are supporting him, BCCI is in full support, he will recover soon and then we will take him home with us,” Suryakumar said.
According to sources, Iyer’s family members are anticipated to visit Sydney shortly to support him during his recuperation.
