Worrying update emerges for vice-captain ahead of ODI series against South Africa News24 –

India’s vice-captain Shreyas Iyer faces a tough battle as he now has to regain full fitness in time for three match series against South Africa which will be starting from November 30 in Ranchi. He sustained a “jerk” in his left rib cage while attempting a diving catch while Harshit Rana was bowling in the third ODI against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground.

Iyer, 30, currently focuses on the 50-over format for India as he has taken a short break from red ball-cricket due to ongoing back issues. He is also nearing 3000 runs in ODIs and scored 61 runs in the recently concluded Australia series. After taking the catch to dismiss Carey, Iyer was visibly in pain and was escorted off the field by team physio Kamlesh Jain. He was later sent for precautionary scans at the hospital.

Now according to PTI, Shreyas Iyer will remain out of action for three weeks and it is still unclear whether he will be able to recover in time for the ODI series against South Africa.

“Shreyas was taken to the hospital for scans during the match itself. As per initial diagnosis, there has been a jerk and he will have to be out of action for a minimum of three weeks,” PTI quoted a BCCI source as saying.

“He will have to report to the Centre of Excellence on his return. Further reports are awaited before one can conclude if he will require more time for recovery. If it is a hairline fracture, then it might take longer,” the source added.

“It is too early to say. If it is three weeks before RTP (Return To Play), then there is a chance that it could be touch and go before November 30.”