Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has opened up about one of the darkest phases of his career, revealing that a severe back injury once left him paralyzed in one leg.
His shocking confession has not only stunned fans but also shed light on the unseen struggles professional athletes face behind the spotlight.
The Shocking Revelation
In an emotional interview, Iyer described how a snapped nerve in his back almost ended his career. At one point, the pain was so unbearable that he couldn’t feel one leg properly.
“I was totally paralyzed in one leg. With spine surgery, you can place a rod in the back, but a snapped nerve, which is what I had, is really, really dangerous. The pain was horrendous, running all the way down to my tiny toe. It was so scary.”
The injury, which happened in 2023, required surgery where doctors inserted a metal rod in his spine. His recovery journey was long and full of doubts.
“Athletes Are Not Robots”
Iyer also stressed that fans often underestimate the battles players go through off the field. While the world sees them only during match days, the grind, pain, and frustration behind the scenes often remain invisible.
“People see athletes as robots who have to perform in every game. They don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes.”
This candid admission struck a chord with cricket lovers, making them realize that athletes too fight silent wars.
Career Setbacks: Contracts & Selection
Because of his injury and the extended recovery period, Iyer missed most of the 2024 season. He was also dropped from BCCI’s central contract list, a painful blow for a player who had been a regular in India’s middle order.
Despite the setbacks, Iyer kept his focus intact. He worked relentlessly on rehabilitation, training, and mental fitness. His motto remained simple:
“Focus on what you can control, and grab every opportunity when it comes.”
In 2025, Shreyas Iyer silenced doubters with his bat. He produced consistent performances in the IPL 2025, proving his class as a dependable middle-order batter.
Later, he played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy success, cementing his comeback as one of the most inspirational stories in Indian cricket.
His journey from being unable to walk properly to winning matches for India highlights his sheer determination.
Shreyas Iyer’s revelation is more than just an injury update—it’s a lesson in resilience and mental toughness. His words remind us that athletes are humans first, dealing with fear, setbacks, and pain, yet choosing to rise stronger.
- For fans, it’s a reality check beyond stadium roars and TV screens.
- For youngsters, it’s an inspiring example of never giving up.
- For cricket, it’s a reminder that the greatest victories often happen off the field.
In Shorts:
From being paralyzed in one leg to becoming a key figure in India’s 2025 cricketing journey, Shreyas Iyer’s comeback is nothing short of heroic. His story will inspire generations—both inside and outside cricket—proving that true champions are defined not just by runs and records, but by their courage to fight back when life knocks them down.
