Asia Cup 2023: Shreyas Iyer sidelined for Super 4 clash against Sri-Lanka

Among Indian batting line-up’s probable number 4 batter, Shreyas Iyer is likely to remain in the sidelines for India’s 2nd Super 4 clash against Sri-Lanka today, here at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Iyer featured twice in Asia Cup 2023 with both of his appearances coming in the Group stages against Pakistan and Nepal.

Out of those 2 matches, Iyer batted only once in the opening game against the hosts, scoring 14 runs with the match coming out with no result. In the following fixture against Nepal, Shreyas Iyer did not get the chance to bat before being dropped out of India’s line-up for the Super 4 match against Pakistan, 5 minutes before the toss.

Shreyas Iyer unavailable for the match against Sri Lanka today. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/ski54w0AWR

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 12, 2023

It is being said that the 28-year-old endured a Back spasm during warm-up and has been scrutinized by the same recurring injury which kept him out of action for months. At the moment, Iyer is being carefully looked after by the management present there along with a few officials from the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

While many thought, Iyer’s injury will draw dark clouds over India’s competency in the middle-order, it was actually a blessing in disguise. His replacement KL Rahul stood up for the occasion as he came back with a bang at number 4 in the 2-day game against Pakistan.

.@klrahul marks his comeback in style!

Brings up a splendid CENTURY 👏👏

His 6th ton in ODIs.

Live – https://t.co/kg7Sh2t5pM… #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/yFzdVHjmaA

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 11, 2023

He stitched an outstanding partnership of 233 runs with Virat Kohli as both of them smacked match winning Centuries to help India post a mammoth total of 356. KL Rahul completed his 6th ODI Ton in 100 balls and it was his first since March 2021.

While Rahul seems to be cementing his position at 4, pressure will be on Shreyas Iyer to recover in time for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at home soil. Last night after the match, Rohit Sharma had confirmed that the management found out Iyer will not be available just 5 minutes prior to the toss and as we all know, the decision served well.

But the real test will be today against Sri-Lanka as India will play for the 3rd day straight without rest. There are talks of a few players rested today but our sources have also told us that the management is likely to field the same playing 11 as yesterday.

All in all, Shreyas Iyer is confirmed to miss the Sri-Lanka game and there is very little clarity over his presence in the tournament. Will he return for Bangladesh clash on 15th September? Time will tell.