Shreyas Iyer Fit to Play in IPL 2024 After Back Injury Scare
Shreyas Iyer, the middle-order stalwart of Team India, has received a clean bill of health following concerns over his back during the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha.
Despite missing out on a century in the second innings of the Ranji final, Iyer was unable to take the field for the last two days of the match due to discomfort. However, he has now rejoined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp and participated in an intra-squad T20 match, signaling his readiness to compete.
Consultation with Specialist
Following his discomfort, Iyer sought consultation with a spine specialist in Mumbai, followed by a visit to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. After thorough examination, the doctor declared him fit to play but advised caution regarding stretching his leg while defending the ball.
Expert Opinion
According to sources cited in the Indian Express, “He is fit to play, a specialist spine doctor was consulted in Mumbai who has advised him not to stretch his leg too forward while defending the ball. He has joined IPL franchise KKR and he can play.”
Persistent Concerns
Iyer’s back issues have been a recurring problem in recent times, with the first instance surfacing during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, leading to surgery and his subsequent absence from IPL 2022. Despite his return to form during the Asia Cup 2023, discomfort resurfaced during the Test series against England, resulting in his exclusion from India’s squad.
Ranji Trophy Controversy and Central Contract Fallout
Following his omission from the Test squad, Iyer faced criticism for bypassing BCCI’s directive to participate in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals. Despite being declared fit by the NCA, his complaints of back stiffness led to repercussions, including his removal from the annual central contract list. This marked a significant downturn for Iyer, who had been a pivotal figure in India’s ODI World Cup squad.
Road to Redemption
Seeking to rectify his error, Iyer returned to represent Mumbai in the semi-final and final of the Ranji Trophy. However, he faced considerable challenges against pacers, particularly with short deliveries, exposing a vulnerability in his game.
IPL Comeback
Iyer’s absence from the previous IPL season due to injury raised concerns over his participation in IPL 2024. However, the recent clearance from medical experts provides a sigh of relief for both the player and his franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders.
Leadership and Guidance
With Gautam Gambhir returning as mentor, Kolkata Knight Riders aim to leverage his expertise to propel Iyer and the team towards reclaiming their former glory. Having finished fifth in the previous season, the franchise seeks to make a strong start against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens on March 23, marking the beginning of their IPL 2024 campaign.