India batter Shreyas Iyer is doubtful for the remainder of the ongoing Test series against England due to a back issue. The five-match series is levelled 1-1 after Rohit Sharma-led side won the second Test by 106 runs in Vizag.
As per an Indian Express report, Iyer has complained of stiffness in the back and pain in the groin area while batting. With the squad for the last three Tests to be announced later in the day, Iyer's injury mounts pressure on the selectors to name replacements.
KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the third Test due to respective injuries while Virat Kohli's participation in the series is still doubtful.
As per the report, Iyer's kit bags were transported to his home in Mumbai while the others were sent to Rajkot for the third Test, starting on February 15.
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Iyer, who underwent back surgery last year, is expected to report to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further tests, the report cited sources as saying. The batter is likely to return to action in the Indian Premier League (IPL), starting next month.
“Iyer has informed the Indian team management and the medical staff that his back gets stiff after playing more than 30 balls and he feels pain in his groin while playing forward defence. Post surgery, he is facing this issue for the first time so he has been advised to rest for a few weeks. He will head to NCA later," Indian Express quoted a source as saying.
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With Rahul and Jadeja expected to return in the squad, it will be interesting to see whether Sarfaraz Khan gets his debut Test in Iyer's place or the team management will continue with the last match's debutant Rajat Patidar.
Kohli's participation in the third Test is still uncertain with selectors hoping for his availability for the last two Tests of the series.