Curated By: Aakash Biswas
Last Updated: September 14, 2023, 14:10 IST
India batter Shreyas Iyer (AFP Image)
Shreyas Iyer had to be rested in the last two encounters – against Pakistan and Sri Lanka – due to a back spasm. However, he is likely to be available for India’s next game against the Bangla Tigers.
Team India received a massive boost ahead of their last Super Four game against Bangladesh, scheduled to be played on Friday in Colombo. Shreyas Iyer was back in the nets as he attended an optional training session on Thursday. The right-hand batter had to be rested in the last two encounters – against Pakistan and Sri Lanka – due to a back spasm. However, he is likely to be available for India’s next game against the Bangla Tigers.
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Iyer featured in India’s group-stage games against Pakistan and Nepal before getting benched for the next couple of encounters in the Super Four. Minutes before the clash against the arch-rivals on Sunday in Colombo, he experienced a back spam after which the team management decided to replace him with KL Rahul who also made a comeback after an injury layoff.
As stated by the BCCI, Iyer couldn’t fully recover by Tuesday and was advised to rest by the BCCI medical team. Hence, he stayed back in the hotel and was unavailable for selection for the game against Sri Lanka.
“Shreyas Iyer is feeling better but is yet to fully recover from a back spasm. He has been advised rest by the BCCI Medical Team and has not travelled with the team to the stadium today for India’s Super 4 match against Sri Lanka,” said BCCI in a statement.
Earlier on Sunday, Rohit Sharma informed about Iyer’s absence in the Pakistan clash. The Indian captain said the issue was detected during the pre-match warm-up, forcing Iyer to be left out. After India won the game by 228 runs on the Reserve Day, the skipper mentioned that the decision to include KL Rahul was made just five minutes before the toss.
According to news agency ANI, Iyer did some light batting practice in the optional session. His consistency, ability to tackle spin bowling and solid strike rotation have made him a staple in India’s middle-order and no doubt his services will be useful during the Asia Cup and the ICC.
