In a massive blow for Team India, middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been reportedly ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia on February 9 in Nagpur.
Earlier, Iyer had taken a break from the three-match ODI series against New Zealand after an injury concern. He was later asked to undertake rehab at NCA Bengaluru.
As per a report in The Indian Express, Iyer will take at least a fortnight before regaining full fitness.
“His injury hasn’t healed as expected and he will take two weeks at least to play cricket again. He will certainly not be available for the first Test and his availability for the second Test will be subject to his fitness report,” a source told the newspaper.
As per the report, Iyer is expected to regain full fitness before the second Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, Iyer’s absence could be a golden opportunity for Surya Kumar Yadav, who now becomes the frontrunner to replace Iyer.
Earlier, Surya had told the press how playing in whites is something that he is looking forward to.
“Obviously, everyone wants to play Test cricket. You start your cricket at domestic level, playing with red ball only, and I played for Mumbai. We all know how exciting the series would be, but at the same time, it’s about staying in the present and the focus is on how to give your best for tomorrow’s game, then we have full time to think about Tests,” Suryakumar said in the press conference ahead of 3rd T20I.
Significantly, Iyer has been in tremendous form in Tests as since his Test debut, he has amassed 624 runs from seven Tests, averaging 58.73.
Notably, the four-match Test series between India and Australia will begin at VCA stadium Jamtha in Nagpur after which the entourage moves to the national capital for the second Test match.