IND vs SA 2025: Shreyas Iyer doubtful for ODI series against South Africa

Published - 11 Nov 2025, 14:11 IST | Updated - 11 Nov 2025, 14:11 IST

Indian ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer’s participation in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30, remains uncertain. Following the two Tests beginning on November 14, India will play the ODIs in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam.

Iyer recently returned home from Australia and is still recovering from an injury. He requires additional time before he can be considered fully fit for international cricket. The selection committee has been updated on his status, and medical reports indicate he will need more than a month to regain match fitness.

“He will take more time to be fully match fit and the board and selection committee doesn’t want to rush after his injury. He is doubtful for the South Africa ODI series,” a source in the Indian board said as quoted by The Indian Express.

A source revealed that Iyer’s oxygen levels had dropped to 50, and for ten minutes he was unable to stand properly. He experienced a complete blackout and took some time to regain normalcy.

The Mumbai batter was discharged from the hospital last week after sustaining an injury during the third ODI between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. While taking a diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey, Iyer fell awkwardly, injuring himself. He was admitted to a Sydney hospital with a lacerated spleen and internal bleeding.

“He is now stable and recovering well. The BCCI Medical Team, along with specialists in Sydney and India, are pleased with his recovery, and he has been discharged from the hospital today,” the BCCI had stated earlier in a press release.

“The BCCI extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr Kouroush Haghigi and his team in Sydney, along with Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala in India, for ensuring Shreyas received the best treatment for his injury. Shreyas will continue to stay in Sydney for follow-up consultations and will return to India once he is deemed fit to fly,” it added.

“I’m currently in the recovery process and getting better every passing day. I’m deeply grateful to see all the kind wishes and support I’ve received- it truly means a lot. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts,” Iyer posted on his social media.

The 30-year-old played two innings on the tour, scoring 11 and 68 in Perth and Adelaide, respectively, in the ODI series. Iyer’s career has been hampered by injuries for some time. The Indian middle-order batter had earlier written to the BCCI requesting a break from red-ball cricket due to stiffness and fatigue in his back, a request that the board had approved.