Sydney / New Delhi: Team India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of action for nearly two months after sustaining a ruptured spleen during the third ODI against Australia last week. The 30-year-old suffered the injury while attempting a difficult catch to dismiss Alex Carey at the Sydney Cricket Ground and was immediately taken off the field.

Following the incident, Iyer’s condition reportedly deteriorated in the dressing room as his vitals dropped, prompting emergency hospitalisation. Medical scans revealed internal bleeding due to a lacerated spleen, leading doctors to perform an urgent interventional procedure to stop the bleeding.

Undergoes non-surgical procedure, now stable

Contrary to earlier reports suggesting surgery, BCCI secretary Debajit Saikia clarified that Iyer did not undergo surgery but rather a medical procedure to control the internal bleeding.

According to RevSportz, Iyer underwent interventional trans-catheter embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a catheter through an artery to block the bleeding site under image guidance. The treatment was successful, and his condition is now stable.

Hospital sources in Sydney confirmed that Iyer was moved out of the ICU earlier this week and is recovering well under medical supervision.

Set to miss South Africa series; NZ tour doubtful

The injury will keep Iyer out of competitive cricket for at least two months, ruling him out of India’s upcoming home ODI series against South Africa next month. His availability for the New Zealand series in January remains uncertain, with fitness and match readiness likely to be key concerns for the selectors.

The timeline also means Iyer’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup 2025 plans is in doubt, as the final squad is expected to be finalised after the New Zealand series. If recovery goes as planned, Iyer could make his international return during India’s white-ball tour of England in July next year.

Iyer’s injury comes at a crucial phase, as he has been a central figure in India’s middle order across formats. The Mumbai batter had recently been appointed ODI vice-captain following a strong domestic season and consistent international performances.