Indian cricket star Shreyas Iyer has been hospitalised in Sydney with internal bleeding after a freak on-field accident that doctors say “could have been fatal.”
The 30-year-old vice-captain of India’s One Day International side was placed in intensive care following the alarming incident during Saturday’s match against Australia.
Iyer had been fielding brilliantly when he took a stunning catch to dismiss Alex Carey, sprinting backwards before tumbling to the ground.
What looked at first like a routine fall quickly turned serious as he clutched his left side in visible agony.
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Teammates rushed to his aid while medical staff sprinted onto the field.
Early checks suggested more than a simple muscle strain. Iyer was helped off the ground and taken directly to a nearby hospital for further assessment.
Scans soon revealed internal bleeding around his rib cage, prompting doctors to move him immediately into intensive care.
Shreyas Iyer was in visible discomfort following the incident during the match between India and Australia
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Sources close to the Indian team described the injury as “potentially fatal” and praised the swift response from medical personnel on site.
A source told the Press Trust of India: “Shreyas has been in ICU for the past couple of days. After the reports came in, internal bleeding was detected, and he had to be admitted immediately.
“He will remain under observation for anywhere between two to seven days, depending on recovery, to stop the spreading of infection due to bleeding.
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India players rushed to express concern for Shreyas Iyer following his fall
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“The team doctor and physio didn’t take any chances and took him to the hospital immediately. Things are stable now, but it could have been fatal. He’s a tough lad and should be fine soon.”
The source added that while Iyer’s condition has stabilised, his recovery is expected to take several weeks.
“Since there has been internal bleeding, he will certainly need more time to recover. At this point, it’s difficult to put a definite timeline on his return to competitive cricket,” they said.
Medical experts believe Iyer will remain in hospital for at least a week before being cleared to return home.
Once discharged, he will continue rehabilitation under the supervision of the Indian team’s medical unit.
His return to the national squad could take three weeks or longer, depending on how quickly the internal injuries heal.
Shreyas Iyer is expected to make a full recovery
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The freak nature of the incident has left teammates and fans in shock.
Iyer’s fall appeared harmless at first glance, but his landing caused a heavy impact to the left side of his torso, leading to internal bleeding.
Those close to the team said the swift diagnosis may have prevented a far more serious outcome.
Iyer, known for his fearless fielding and leadership on the pitch, had been in fine form before the accident.
His absence will be a major setback for India as they continue their tour of Australia. Supporters and fellow cricketers flooded social media with messages of concern and well-wishes for his recovery.
Doctors are optimistic but cautious, stressing that any return to physical activity must be carefully managed. Fortunately, tragedy was avoided.