Shreyas Iyer Fainted in Dressing Room: Inside Details of India Vice-Captain's Near-Fatal Injury

India's ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is currently recovering in a Sydney hospital after suffering a life-threatening injury during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. What initially appeared to be a routine fielding injury turned into a medical emergency when Iyer fainted in the dressing room with dangerously low vital signs, prompting an immediate rush to the hospital.

The Moment of Impact

The incident occurred in the 34th over of Australia's innings when Iyer, fielding at backward point, sprinted backward to complete a spectacular catch to dismiss Alex Carey off Harshit Rana's bowling. While he held onto the ball brilliantly, Iyer landed heavily on his left side, specifically impacting his ribs and elbows. He immediately clutched his rib cage in visible pain and was assisted off the field by the medical staff.

What wasn't visible to spectators or television viewers was the severity of the internal damage. The impact had caused a laceration to his spleen, leading to internal bleeding—a potentially fatal injury if not treated urgently.

Critical Moments in the Dressing Room

According to sources close to the development, Iyer's condition deteriorated rapidly after returning to the pavilion. "Shreyas fainted in the dressing room, and his vital parameters were alarmingly low," a source told PTI. His blood pressure had dropped to dangerously low levels, and the team doctor and physiotherapist recognized the gravity of the situation immediately.

"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.

Medical Diagnosis and ICU Admission

Scans at the Sydney hospital revealed a laceration injury to the spleen, which had caused significant internal bleeding. Iyer was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he remained under close observation for two days before being moved to a general ward on Monday.

The BCCI released an official statement confirming the injury: "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."

Recovery Timeline and Family Support

Iyer is expected to remain in the hospital for up to seven days and is being monitored closely for any signs of infection. His parents have applied for urgent visas to travel from Mumbai to Sydney to be with their son during his recovery. Due to weekend delays in visa processing, their arrival has been slightly postponed, but they are expected to join him soon. In the meantime, local friends and the Indian team doctor, Dr. Rizwan Khan, have been by his side.

The initial prognosis suggested Iyer would be out of action for around three weeks. However, given the internal bleeding and spleen laceration, the recovery period is now expected to 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," sources said.

Impact on India's Plans

Iyer's injury is a massive setback for India's middle-order plans. He is not part of the ongoing T20I squad against Australia but was expected to be a key player for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30. That participation now looks highly unlikely.

This year, Iyer has been in exceptional form, amassing 496 runs in 11 ODI matches at an average of 49.60, including five half-centuries. He was also India's top run-scorer during their Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.

Swift Medical Response Saves the Day

Cricket experts and medical professionals have praised the BCCI medical team for their swift action, which likely prevented a fatal outcome. The quick decision to rush Iyer to the hospital when his vitals fluctuated, combined with immediate medical intervention, proved crucial.

As Shreyas Iyer continues his recovery in Sydney, the entire cricket fraternity is hoping for his full and speedy return to the field.