Shreyas Iyer admitted to ICU after suffering internal bleeding, laceration to his spleen: 'Injury could have been fatal'

Shreyas Iyer, who had taken a brilliant catch running backwards from backward point to dismiss Carey, appeared to have hurt his left rib cage in the process.

Shreyas Iyer has been hospitalised in Sydney and moved to the ICU after sustaining internal bleeding from a rib injury suffered during the third ODI against Australia. Iyer pulled off a sensational catch while sprinting back from backward point to remove Alex Carey, but while grabbing it, he appeared to injure his left rib cage. He was taken to the hospital shortly after returning to the dressing room due to intense discomfort.

Shreyas Iyer reacts in pain during the third ODI after sustaining rib injury. (AFP)

The BCCI released a statement on his injury, stating that he had sustained a laceration injury to the spleen, and the board's medical team is closely monitoring his status

“Shreyas Iyer sustained an impact injury to his left lower rib cage region while fielding during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on 25th October 2025. He was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.”

“Scans have revealed a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well. The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, is closely monitoring his injury status. The Indian Team Doctor will remain in Sydney with Shreyas to evaluate his day-to-day progress,” the BCCI stated in a press release.

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Meanwhile, a report on the news agency PTI suggested that Iyer is currently getting medical attention in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after suffering internal bleeding resulting from a rib cage injury.

"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, as one needed to stop spreading of infection due to bleeding," a source privy to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity.

The BCCI’s medical staff responded immediately when Iyer showed signs of distress and irregular readings after making his way back to the dressing room.

"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.

Initially, Iyer was expected to be out of action for about three weeks, but the recovery period may now be longer.

"Since there has been internal bleeding, he will certainly need more time to recover, and at this point, it’s difficult to put a definite timeline on his return to competitive cricket," the source said.

He was recently named the vice-captain of the ODI team and was acting as Shubman Gill's deputy on the Australian tour, during which India suffered a 1-2 series defeat.

After an underwhelming outing in the first ODI, Iyer bounced back well with a gritty half-century in Adelaide, but it went in the losing cause. Meanwhile, India won the final ODI by nine wickets, where they didn't need Iyer to bat, courtesy match-winning knocks from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Shreyas Iyer's career hampered by persistent injuries

Meanwhile, Iyer’s career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries over the past year. He picked up a back issue during the Test series against England, forcing him to withdraw midway. The situation grew tense when, despite the NCA clearing him as fit, he continued to experience discomfort and opted out of a Ranji Trophy fixture that the BCCI had instructed him to play. The fallout from that episode eventually cost him his central contract.

He underwent surgery and took a short break from cricket. After months of rehabilitation and consistent performances in domestic matches, he eventually earned his way back into the Indian ODI squad for the England series and the Champions Trophy.

Recently, Iyer experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness, for which he had previously undergone surgery during the India A series. The stylish batter informed the BCCI about his condition and asked for a six-month break from red-ball cricket to manage his workload and take care of his back.

“Mr Shreyas Iyer has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Having undergone back surgery in the UK and managed his recovery well, he has recently experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format. He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup,” the BCCI press release stated.