Shreyas Iyer rushed to Sydney ICU after internal bleeding from rib injury - BCCI says condition stable

India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is under intensive medical care in a Sydney hospital following a rib cage injury that led to internal bleeding during the third One-Day International (ODI) against Australia on 25 October. The 31-year-old injured himself while taking a spectacular catch. He was admitted to the hospital shortly after returning to the dressing room as his condition deteriorated.

How Did Shreyas Iyer Get Injured?

The incident occurred during the 34th over of Australia’s innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), when Shreyas Iyer pulled off a spectacular catch to dismiss Alex Carey off the bowling of Harshit Rana. Carey had attempted to drive forcefully down the ground but mistimed his shot, producing a top edge that sent the ball soaring awkwardly between backward point and deep third.

Reacting instantly, Iyer sprinted backwards from point, keeping his eyes fixed on the descending ball before executing a full-stretch dive to complete the catch. However, the impact of his landing was severe.

He appeared to injure his left rib cage, grimacing in pain as he hit the turf. The Indian team physiotherapist attended to Shreyas Iyer immediately, and Iyer left the field clutching his side before the next delivery was bowled.

Shreyas Iyer did not return to the field for the remainder of Australia’s innings, which ended with the hosts being bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs.

PTI reports that subsequent scans confirmed internal bleeding, necessitating the urgent hospitalisation of Shreyas Iyer.

“Shreyas has been in the ICU for the past couple of days. After the reports came in, internal bleeding was detected, and he had to be admitted immediately,” an official familiar with the developments said.

“He will remain under observation for anywhere between two to seven days, depending on recovery, as one needs to stop the spreading of infection due to bleeding,” the official added.

BCCI medical team acted swiftly to stabilise Shreyas Iyer

According to those aware of the situation, the BCCI medical team responded without delay after observing fluctuations in Iyer’s vital signs.

“The team doctor and physio didn’t take any chances and took him to the hospital immediately. Things are stable now, but it could have been fatal. He’s a tough lad and should be fine soon,” the source said.

Initially, medical experts expected Iyer to remain out of action for around three weeks; however, they now believe his recovery could take considerably longer.

“Since there has been internal bleeding, he will certainly need more time to recover, and at this point, it’s difficult to put a definite timeline on his return to competitive cricket,” the official told PTI.

The 31-year-old India ODI vice captain is expected to remain in the Sydney hospital for at least a week before being declared fit to travel back to India.

Shreyas Iyer is not part of India’s T20 squad.

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