In a major blow to Team India’s preparations ahead of the much-awaited Test series against Australia, India’s middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the first match with a back injury, the Mumbai batter, however, is likely to regain full fitness by the 2nd Test match onwards. For the unversed, Iyer had opted out of the ODI series against New Zealand and was later asked to undergo rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
It is learned that despite taking treatment, Iyer has still pain in his lower back and as a result, the NCA has advised the middle-order batter to take at least two weeks’ rest. Shreyas won’t be joining the Indian camp at Nagpur before the 1st Test match, starting February 2.
Now as per a report by the Indian Express, Shreyas’ injury hasn’t healed completely and it will take him two more weeks to play cricket again. A source revealed: “His injury hasn’t healed as expected and he will take two weeks at least to play cricket again. He will certainly not be available for the first Test and his availability for the second Test will be subject to his fitness report,”
Earlier, in a statement a few weeks ago, BCCI secretary Jay Shah informed about Iyer’s injury. “Team India batter Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the upcoming 3-match ODI series against New Zealand due to a back injury. He will be heading to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further assessment and management,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said in a statement.
Iyer’s absence can give Suryakumar Yadav a chance to make his Test debut for team India. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be joining the Indian team camp held in Nagpur starting February 2. Jadeja cleared his match fitness after he played a Ranji Trophy game for his home side Saurashtra against Tamil Nadu last week in Chennai. he star all-rounder bowled almost 42 overs and picked up seven wickets in the 2nd innings of the game. Jadeja’s last Test appearance came last year in one of the Test matches against England, following which he underwent a knee surgery that saw him missing the T20 World Cup.
