It was a Saturday in Sydney, 25th October, when the Indian middle-order maestro Shreyas Iyer took a brave dive to grab Alex Carey’s catch. What looked like a spectacular effort quickly turned grim. He lay flat on the ground, clutching his side in visible pain. The crowd went silent as medics rushed in. Soon after, reports confirmed a laceration to his spleen and internal bleeding. Thankfully, he’s now out of danger, but the scare once again brings focus to Shreyas Iyer’s injury list, which, over the years, has been far too long for a man in his prime.

2021 – The Shoulder Setback

Ah, the year when cricket was still finding its rhythm post-COVID. During the first ODI against England in Pune, Iyer dislocated his shoulder while fielding, the kind of injury that makes any cricketer wince just remembering it. It was a cruel twist, as he had just started establishing himself in the national setup. That single moment ruled him out of the IPL 2021 season and cost him his Delhi Capitals captaincy. To make matters worse, he missed India’s T20 World Cup squad later that year. It’s one of the earliest entries on Shreyas Iyer’s injury list, and it left a lasting mark on both his confidence and career trajectory.

I didn’t know about my injury before the toss but Dr. Rohit Sharma told i have a back spasm during toss time .

– Shreyas Iyer . pic.twitter.com/VAF884fTNp

— Sohel. (@SohelVkf) September 10, 2023

2023 – The Back Surgery Chapter

Fast forward to 2023, and the story gets heavier. Iyer’s recurring back issues turned severe during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. By the Ahmedabad Test, he could barely move freely. Surgery became inevitable. That meant missing the entire IPL 2023 season and the World Test Championship final, a double blow. His comeback for the Asia Cup later that year was heartwarming, and he played a key role in India’s World Cup campaign. But, as Shreyas Iyer’s health has shown time and again, recovery in cricket isn’t always linear.

India’s injury woes would seem to be mounting 😱

Shreyas Iyer now a doubt for the Rajkot Test after complaining of back stiffness #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/xbepRkD5NR

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) February 9, 2024

2024 – The Back Returns to Haunt

Just when fans thought the worst was behind him, early 2024 brought déjà vu. During the India–England Test series, Iyer’s back began troubling him again. After the second Test, he was ruled out of the rest of the series and even skipped domestic Ranji matches. Eventually, his central contract took a hit, another frustrating reminder that Shreyas Iyer’s injury list wasn’t done growing.

🚨 SHREYAS IYER WANTS A BREAK. 🚨

– Iyer has written to the BCCI that he’ll be taking a break from red ball cricket due to back stiffness and fatigue issues. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/MElCnAeBbh

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 23, 2025

2025 September – Taking a Break from Red-Ball Cricket

By September 2025, Iyer’s back problems had clearly taken their toll. Appointed captain of the India A squad against Australia A, he seemed poised for a comeback. But after just one unofficial Test, he announced a break from red-ball cricket to focus on recovery. It was a mature decision, not an easy one for someone so competitive, and a reflection of how carefully Shreyas Iyer’s health has had to be managed lately.

Ohhh this was the moment Shreyas Iyer got injured , his left lower rib region was badly affected. He’s currently under observation in the ICU.

Wishing him a speedy and full recovery 🙏❤️!! pic.twitter.com/B7u61ExM3Y

— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane) October 27, 2025

2025 October – The Spleen Injury Scare

And now, here we are in October 2025. The spleen injury he picked up in Sydney is as serious as they come. Internal bleeding, ICU care, and several anxious hours followed. While he’s now stable, the incident has shaken everyone who follows Indian cricket. For his family, the worry was real. There were even reports that they might fly to Australia, until his father, Santosh Iyer, cleared the air.

“The BCCI is monitoring his injury and he is on a recovery path. The best doctor in Sydney is treating him. He is likely to get discharged by weekend and perhaps may get even before that. Since he is not a part of the T20I squad, he will return soon. Contrary to earlier reports, we are not going to Sydney.”

It’s comforting to hear that directly from his father. It also shows that Shreyas Iyer’s health is in good hands, even if his road to full recovery might take time.

Related Article：BCCI Issues Medical Report：Shreyas Iyer in ICU Under Specialist Care

Who Can Step In Next?

With Iyer almost certain to miss next month’s ODI series against South Africa, selectors have their work cut out. Finding a replacement for Shreyas Iyer won’t be easy; he’s that rare player who blends class with composure at number four. Still, a few names stand out.

Tilak Varma has shown remarkable maturity in limited-overs cricket and seems the front-runner as a replacement for Shreyas Iyer. His List A average is solid, and his ability to adapt under pressure could be what India needs. Another tempting option is Rishabh Pant. Though he’s primarily a wicketkeeper-batter, slotting him at number four could offer stability and firepower, a mix not easy to find. Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has been making noise in domestic cricket with both bat and ball, and his all-round skills give him a fighting chance as a replacement for Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.

A Familiar but Unwanted Pattern

Injuries are part and parcel of a sportsman’s life, but for Iyer, they’ve become a frustrating pattern. From shoulder dislocation to back surgery and now a spleen injury, Shreyas Iyer’s injury list reads more like a medical diary than a cricket résumé. For now, the focus is rightly on recovery. Fans will hope that when he does return, it’s for good, with a fitter frame, a stronger back, and the same confident smile that’s lit up India’s middle order for years.