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Shreyas Iyer, who made comeback to international cricket just last week after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury, encountered an untimely setback. He suffered a back spasm shortly before the highly-anticipated Super 4 clash against Pakistan in the Asia cup 2023 and, unfortunately, was unable to secure a spot in the playing XI.
The twists and turns in Shreyas Iyer’s cricketing journey
Iyer’s journey back to the international stage had been marked by his recovery from a significant back surgery earlier this year, which caused him to miss out on Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, the World Test Championship (WTC ) final, and the West Indies tour. However, his dedication and hard work paid off as he was declared fully fit before the Asia Cup 2023.
In his first match against Pakistan during the group stage, Iyer managed to score 14 runs off just nine deliveries before being dismissed by Haris Rauf. He continued to participate in the subsequent match against Nepal, although he didn’t get a chance to bat.
BCCI’s official word on Shreyas Iyer’s injury
The challenge intensified due to the Super Four matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka being scheduled on consecutive days, including the utilization of a reserve day. Alas, Iyer’s back injury had not completely healed, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team to recommend further rest. This decision was communicated shortly before the crucial ongoing Sri Lanka game, as conveyed by the BCCI.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam reveals reasons for defeat against India in Super 4 clash
“Shreyas Iyer is feeling better but is yet to fully recover from 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,” the BCCI post read.
UPDATE – Shreyas Iyer is feeling better but is yet to fully recover from back spasm. He has been adviced 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.#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/q6yyRbVchj
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 12, 2023
The road ahead for Team India
Speaking of the current tournament, Team India are facing Sri Lanka for a pivotal four clash in the ongoing Asia cup. This encounter takes on added significance as it could determine the first finalist of the tournament. With only three Super Four games remaining and India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka all holding two points each, the competition for a place in the final is exceptionally intense.
India have entered this match with a surge of confidence following their resounding victory over Pakistan the previous night. Their impressive win, where they defeated Pakistan by a commanding margin of 228 runs, serves as a testament to their form and capabilities, and Sri Lanka are certainly cognizant of this formidable challenge.
