Shreyas Iyer Doubtful For India-South Africa ODI Series After Fatal Incident

Team India Vice-Captain Shreyas Iyer is unlikely to be rushed back for the three-match ODI series against South Africa after medical reports indicated he requires over a month to recover from a serious spleen injury sustained in Australia.

November 11, 2025: Star middle-order batter and ODI Vice-Captain Shreyas Iyer is likely to miss the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa later this month as he continues to recover from a severe injury.

The 30-year-old right-handed batter sustained the injury—reported to be a laceration of the spleen with internal bleeding—while fielding during the third India-Australia ODI in Sydney on October 25. The injury, suffered when he landed awkwardly attempting a catch, required him to be hospitalized and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Sydney hospital for several days.

BCCI Prioritizes Full Recovery

According to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Iyer’s recovery is expected to take more than a month to reach full match fitness, and the board is unwilling to rush his return. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has been informed of his status.

A BCCI source was quoted by The Indian Express as saying:

“He will take more time to be fully match fit, and the board and selection committee don’t want to rush after his injury. He is doubtful for the South Africa ODI series.”

Further details on the severity of the incident have emerged, with sources stating that Iyer’s oxygen levels alarmingly dropped to 50 following the injury, and he experienced a “complete blackout” for approximately ten minutes before stabilizing.

Tilak Varma Emerges as Replacement

The absence of Iyer, who scored a half-century in the second ODI against Australia, leaves a critical void in India’s middle order, particularly the crucial No. 4 spot.

In his place, the selection committee is likely to consider Tilak Varma. The young left-handed batter, who has impressed in T20Is and has previously been touted by former cricketers as a strong No. 4 contender, has already been appointed as captain of the India A team for the upcoming one-day series against South Africa A.

The three-match ODI series against South Africa is scheduled to begin in Ranchi on November 30, followed by games in Raipur (December 3) and Visakhapatnam (December 6). The senior men’s selection committee is expected to announce the squad in the coming days.