Shreyas Iyer’s participation in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa hangs in serious doubt after revelations about the severity of his injury in Australia. The India vice-captain’s oxygen levels dropped to a dangerous 50 following his spleen laceration, leaving him unable to stand for ten minutes.​

A Terrifying Medical Emergency

The 30-year-old suffered the life-threatening injury while taking a diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey during the third ODI at Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25. After landing awkwardly on his left side, Iyer sustained a blunt abdominal injury resulting in spleen laceration and internal bleeding.​

“Iyer’s oxygen had dropped to 50 and for ten minutes he wasn’t able to stand properly. There was a complete blackout around him and it took him some time to come back to normal,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express.​

The severity cannot be overstated—an oxygen level of 50 is critically low, with normal levels typically ranging between 95-100. Such a drop indicates severe respiratory distress and can be life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.

ICU Treatment and Recovery

Iyer was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit of a Sydney hospital where he remained for several days. Medical staff performed a minor procedure to arrest the internal bleeding and stabilize his condition.​

He was discharged from hospital last week and has since returned to India where he continues recovery under medical supervision. On Instagram, Iyer expressed gratitude for the support: “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”.​

Doubtful for South Africa Series

According to medical reports, Iyer will need over a month to regain full match fitness. This timeline puts his availability for the three-match ODI series against South Africa—starting November 30 in Ranchi, followed by matches in Raipur (December 3) and Visakhapatnam (December 6)—in serious jeopardy.​

“He will take more time to be fully match fit, and the board and selection committee don’t want to rush after his injury. He is doubtful for the South Africa ODI series,” the BCCI source confirmed.​

The board and selectors are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing Iyer’s long-term health over short-term availability. Given the dangerous nature of spleen injuries—which can lead to life-threatening complications if not properly healed—this conservative approach makes sense.​

Huge Loss for India

Iyer’s potential absence is a significant blow to India’s middle order. He’s been in exceptional form this year, scoring 496 runs in 11 matches at an average of 49.60 with five fifties.​

During India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign earlier this year, he was the team’s top run-getter with 243 runs in five innings at 48.60, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest scorer overall. His ability to anchor innings and rotate strike in the middle overs makes him irreplaceable.​

In the Australia ODI series before his injury, Iyer scored a valiant 61 off 77 balls in Adelaide, stitching together a crucial century partnership with Rohit Sharma.​

Career Statistics

Across formats, Iyer has established himself as one of India’s premier batters. In ODIs, he’s accumulated 2,917 runs in 73 matches at an average of 47.81, including five centuries and 23 fifties with a best score of 128 not out.​

He’s also played 14 Tests (811 runs) and 51 T20Is (1,104 runs), with six centuries and 28 half-centuries across all formats.​

The Road Ahead

India’s grueling assignment against South Africa consists of two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. The Test series begins November 14 at Eden Gardens, but Iyer wasn’t selected for that format.​

Whether he’ll be ready for the subsequent T20I series starting December 9 remains uncertain. Medical professionals will continue monitoring his progress closely, but rushing back risks catastrophic complications with spleen injuries.

For now, India must plan without one of their most dependable middle-order batters, hoping his recovery progresses smoothly for a potential return later in the home season.