Shreyas Iyer’s weight is decreasing rapidly, will not return in ODI match against New Zealand

Shreyas Iyer, who suffered a serious spleen injury while attempting a diving catch during the India vs Australia ODI in October, will not return for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The series is starting from 11th January. He has not received approval from BCCI. He can bat but has not yet gained the strength to stay on the field. According to a report times of IndiaDue to the injury, Iyer’s weight has decreased rapidly (about 6 kg) due to deterioration in muscle mass.

On Sunday, media reports claimed that if Shreyas’ recovery goes as planned, he could play two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Mumbai on January 3 and 6, before joining up with the Indian team in Vadodara ahead of the three-match ODI series against the Kiwis.

However, a BCCI source told NDTV that Shreyas’s participation in the three-match ODI series as well as the Vijay Hazare Trophy games will depend on whether the batsman can withstand the physical rigors of the 50-over game after undergoing abdominal surgery.

“Shreyas Iyer has started skills training this week. He is in good shape. But we have to assess his ability to field in a 50-over game before putting him back on the park. Depending on how he performs, his participation in the Vijay Hazare clash will be decided,” a BCCI source told NDTV.

Shreyas suffered a serious injury to his spleen while attempting a diving catch on the ball of Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey. A subsequent scan in a Sydney hospital revealed internal bleeding which required immediate hospitalization and intensive care.

He underwent a minor surgical procedure to control the bleeding and was closely monitored by local medical experts in Australia and India, including the Indian team doctor, before his condition improved and he returned home.