Shreyas Iyer reveals mystery behind 'Second DOB', pays heartfelt tribute to doctors

India's T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has paid an emotional tribute to the doctors who guided his recovery from a career-threatening spleen injury, joining an awareness campaign ahead of the National Doctors' Day on Wednesday, July 01, reflecting on the medical teams who helped him return to full health.

Iyer suffered a serious laceration to his spleen after a fall during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on Saturday, October 25, 2025. He was placed under close medical observation in hospital before being cleared to return home for rehabilitation. The setback ruled him out of the rest of that series, India's series against South Africa, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

The right-hander spent months recovering at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before working his way back through domestic cricket and into Punjab Kings' IPL 2026 campaign. His comeback was confirmed with an 82 off 53 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, his most fluent innings since the injury and a clear sign that both fitness and rhythm had returned.

“An injury can make you realise how quickly life can change. I'm deeply grateful to the doctors and medical teams who helped me return to health, strength and the sport I love,” Iyer said as part of Sun Pharma's #SecondBirthDate initiative.

The “second birth date” is not a change to Iyer's actual date of birth but a symbolic day he has chosen to mark the comeback his doctors made possible.

“They stood by me during one of the most challenging phases of my life. Dedicating my second birth date to healthcare professionals is my tribute to the people who made my comeback possible,” the 31-year-old said.

Iyer is set to lead India's T20I side in a five-match series against England, beginning Wednesday, July 1, at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, after the team's 2-0 series defeat to Ireland in his first assignment as captain.