India’s campaign in the ongoing five-Test series against England is plagued by mounting injury concerns, with Shreyas Iyer now facing the likelihood of missing the upcoming Rajkot Test due to back stiffness, as per sources from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The news of Iyer’s potential absence adds to the team’s existing challenges, with the National Cricket Academy having already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his fitness status. Iyer’s recurring back troubles, which disrupted his participation in last year’s Border-Gavaskar series and led to contemplations of surgery, resurfaced once again, raising doubts about his availability for the crucial match.
The BCCI selectors, initially scheduled to meet on Thursday, are now expected to convene today to deliberate on the squad for the third Test and beyond. India’s depth will face a stern test as they gear up for the upcoming match, especially with prominent players like Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja already sidelined due to fitness issues in the previous Test in Vizag. Despite the absence of these key figures, India showcased commendable resilience to level the series. However, the potential unavailability of Iyer further complicates their selection dilemmas and adds to the hurdles ahead of the third Test, set to commence on February 15 in Rajkot.
As India braces for the crucial encounter, the absence of Iyer, if confirmed, would exacerbate the team’s already stretched resources. Iyer’s prowess with the bat and his recent contributions make him a valuable asset, and his potential absence would be keenly felt. Moreover, his recurring back troubles highlight the challenges faced by modern-day cricketers in managing workload and staying fit amidst grueling schedules. With the series finely poised, India will need to regroup swiftly, assess their options, and rally together to overcome the mounting injury woes and emerge victorious in the upcoming Test match in Rajkot.
