The Indian team has faced a significant setback with reports confirming that key middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer is unavailable for the three-match ODI series against Australia.
Team India has suffered a big blow as the star middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been reportedly ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia.
The signs were there during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Rohit Sharma's squad struggled in the fourth Test after Iyer's back pain prevented him from batting in the first innings. Unfortunately, this ongoing injury has now made it impossible for him to participate in the ODI series.
Iyer's back problems have been a persistent hurdle, leading him to miss the first Test of the four-game series and the home ODIs against New Zealand earlier this year. The issue dates back to a period of swelling in his lower back following India's successful Test series against Bangladesh last season.
If the 28-year-old has to undergo surgery, he could be away from the game for nearly a quarter of a year. This is also bad news for the Kolkata Knight Riders, as they may have to appoint a new captain and find a replacement player if Iyer is unfit for the IPL 2023 season.
The battle for the vacant spot in the XI will likely come down to Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav. Adding to India's challenges, captain Rohit Sharma will also miss the opening ODI for personal reasons. Consequently, Hardik Pandya will step up to lead the side against Steve Smith's Australian team this Friday at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.