Team India would be without Shreyas Iyer for the first Test of the upcoming four-match series against Australia owing to a back injury. The much-awaited Test series will begin on February 9 in Nagpur.
Last month, the right-handed batsman had to opt out of the ODI series against New Zealand due to the back injury. He then headed to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for his rehab. And while he was expected to be fit in time for the first Test, he has not.
As a result, he won’t be joining the Indian team camp at Nagpur before the first Test match starting February 2, and is likely to continue his rehab at NCA, according to a report in the Indian Express. Despite taking the injections, Iyer is still experiencing pain in his lower back.
Iyer has been advised to take rest for at least two more weeks. The report further added that while the batsman is set to miss the first Test, he will be available for selection from the second Test onwards.
India will be hoping that Iyer recovers soon and becomes available for selection. The middle-order batsman has done really well in Tests since making his debut last year. In only 7 Tests so far, he has scored one century and 5 fifties.
Shreyas Iyer’s replacement:
With Shreyas Iyer out of contention for the first Test, the Indian team-management will have to find a new face for the middle-order. And according to the report, uncapped Suryakumar Yadav might end up making his debut in the Nagpur Test.
It is still not clear whether the selectors would call-up a replacement for Iyer. And even if they, Suryakumar is likely to get the nod to play the first Test.
India squad for Australia Test series:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav.