IPL 2023: Shreyas Iyer Injury Update: Kolkata Knight Riders have received an injury boost with their captain Shreyas Iyer looking to be available for some IPL matches. Iyer has reported to the National Cricket Academy on Wednesday with the aim to make a comeback for the World Test Championship Final. It should be noted that Iyer has refused surgery for his persistent back injury as it would have sidelined him for at least 6 months. With WTC Final starting on June 7, he wants to be available for selection. Follow Indian Premier League LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
After being ruled out from the 4th Test in Ahmedabad and the ODI series against Australia, Iyer met with specialists in Mumbai. While he was advised surgery, the Mumbaikar has decided to defer it owing to IPL 2023 and WTC Final.
“He has met the specialist and the NCA officials. All are on the same page that the operation can be deferred. He will follow the experts’ advice,” Cricbuzz quoted a source as saying.
However, it will take a while for Shreyas Iyer to even play a game for KKR. On Thursday, he will get an injection as part of the treatment process for his back injury. He will stay in Bengaluru until the NCA gives him the nod to go back.
But there is no definite timeline for Iyer’s return as he needs NCA’s fitness clearance before joining his franchise. Furthermore, as Iyer is an important part of the team for World Cup 2023, he will not be risked or rushed during IPL.
The BCCI has already informed all the franchises to be in touch with the NCA on all injuries and even niggles of centrally contracted and shortlisted players. Hence, even if Iyer joins KKR, he is sure to miss the first half of IPL and may miss the entire tournament depending on his condition.
In his absence, Nitish Rana will lead KKR in IPL. However, KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit is not losing hope yet. He is hoping that Iyer will be available at some point during the tournament. That is the reason KKR have not signed a replacement for Iyer.
“Shreyas’ absence will make a difference since he is important, but this is truly unfortunate. We are hoping Shreyas will be back very soon and that will make a lot of difference to the team,” Chandrakant Pandit said on Tuesday.
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