Table of Contents
- Why Shreyas Iyer Chose to Stay in Sydney
- The Scary Fall and ICU Stay
- Doctors Recommend Extended Monitoring
- BCCI and Team India Fully Support Decision
- What’s Next for the ODI Vice-Captain?
- Sources
Shreyas Iyer Stays in Sydney for Critical Recovery
Shreyas Iyer, India’s ODI vice-captain, has opted to remain in Sydney for the next 7–10 days for follow-up medical care—prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return home. The decision comes after a serious on-field incident during India’s recent match against Australia left him hospitalized, including a brief stay in the ICU.
Though officially discharged from the hospital, Iyer’s medical team has advised continued observation due to the nature of his injury. “It’s not just about feeling fine—it’s about ensuring there are no delayed complications,” a source close to the player confirmed.
The Scary Fall and ICU Stay
The incident occurred during a high-intensity fielding effort when Iyer lost his footing while chasing a boundary ball. He fell awkwardly near the advertising boards, hitting his head and upper back. Medical staff rushed onto the field, and he was immediately taken to a Sydney hospital.
He spent nearly 24 hours in the intensive care unit as a precaution, with scans ruling out fractures but revealing mild concussion symptoms and muscle trauma. Team India’s physio and a neurologist monitored him closely throughout the week.
Doctors Recommend Extended Monitoring
According to medical protocols for head and spinal injuries in elite athletes, even asymptomatic players are often kept under observation for up to 10 days post-discharge. Sydney’s St. Vincent’s Hospital, known for its sports medicine unit, is providing Iyer with daily check-ups, neurological assessments, and physical therapy.
“Returning on a long-haul flight too soon could increase risks like blood clots or delayed concussion effects,” explained Dr. Anjali Rao, a sports neurologist unaffiliated with the case but familiar with such protocols. “His decision is medically sound.”
BCCI and Team India Fully Support Decision
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has fully backed Iyer’s choice. “Player welfare is non-negotiable,” said a BCCI official. “Shreyas has our complete support—he’ll return when his doctors say it’s safe.”
Captain Rohit Sharma and teammates have stayed in touch via video calls. “We told him not to worry about cricket—just focus on getting 100%,” Sharma said in a post-match presser.
What’s Next for the ODI Vice-Captain?
Iyer is expected to fly back to India by mid-November, ahead of the home Test series against Australia. While he’s unlikely to feature in the first Test, selectors haven’t ruled out a comeback later in the series if recovery stays on track.
For now, Shreyas Iyer’s priority isn’t runs or captaincy—it’s rest, recovery, and returning stronger. And in a high-stakes era of cricket, that patience might be his smartest innings yet.
Sources
Times of India: Inside story of why Shreyas Iyer chose to stay back in Sydney for few more days