Shreyas Iyer's Road to Recovery: A Positive Update from Preity Zinta
Indian cricket fans received encouraging news about middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer's health condition through an unexpected source. Punjab Kings co-owner and Bollywood actress Preity Zinta recently shared a positive update about Iyer's recovery journey following his concerning injury during the Australia tour.
Unplanned Evening Brings Good News
During an impromptu evening gathering that also celebrated Punjab Kings teammate Shashank Singh's birthday, Zinta had the opportunity to meet the recovering cricketer. The actress took to her X (formerly Twitter) account to express her delight at seeing Iyer's improving condition. "So happy to see Shreyas recovering well and coming out," Zinta wrote in her social media post dated November 22, providing the first public indication of Iyer's progress since his return from Australia.
The Mumbai batsman had suffered a significant injury during the third ODI between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. While attempting a diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey, Iyer fell awkwardly and sustained what medical reports later identified as a laceration of the spleen with internal bleeding.
Serious Nature of the Injury Revealed
Sources close to the Indian cricket board have revealed disturbing details about the immediate aftermath of Iyer's on-field incident. According to medical reports, Iyer's oxygen levels dropped dramatically to 50, and for approximately ten minutes, the cricketer experienced difficulty standing properly. The situation was severe enough that Iyer experienced a "complete black out" around him, requiring significant time to return to normal consciousness and function.
Following the incident, Iyer was immediately admitted to a Sydney hospital where he received treatment before being discharged last week and returning to India. The 30-year-old's condition was serious enough to warrant close medical supervision and a structured recovery protocol.
South Africa Series Participation in Doubt
Despite the positive signs from Zinta's observation, Iyer's participation in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa remains uncertain. The series, scheduled to begin on November 30, will see matches played in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam following the two Test matches starting November 14.
Medical assessments presented to the selection committee indicate that Iyer requires approximately more than a month to achieve match fitness. A source within the Indian board confirmed, "He will take more time to be fully match fit and the board and selection committee doesn't want to rush after his injury. He is doubtful for the South Africa ODI series."
The cautious approach from both medical staff and team management underscores the seriousness of Iyer's condition and the importance of proper recovery before returning to international cricket. With the cricketing calendar packed with important assignments, ensuring Iyer's complete recovery takes precedence over rushing him back into action.
