India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has reportedly been ruled out of competitive cricket for an extended period following a severe laceration injury sustained during the final ODI against Australia in Sydney. According to a report carried by Dainik Jagran, Iyer’s recovery timeline may stretch beyond expectations, making his participation in IPL 2026 highly unlikely.
The update has triggered major concerns for the Punjab Kings, a franchise that recently invested heavily in him after acquiring him from the Kolkata Knight Riders. Having captained KKR to an IPL title, Iyer shifted to Punjab and guided them to only their second-ever IPL final.
His leadership, combined with consistent batting performance, made him central to PBKS’ plans, which now appear disrupted by the injury setback.
A Shocking Halt to Momentum After Vice-Captaincy Promotion
Iyer’s rise to ODI vice-captaincy came soon after Shubman Gill was appointed India’s full-time ODI captain. The Australia tour marked Iyer’s first assignment in the new role, and his early performances reflected growing confidence.
However, his campaign came to a sudden halt when he suffered a deep laceration to his hand while taking a brilliant catch to dismiss Alex Carey. The injury required immediate hospitalization in Sydney, where he remained under observation for several weeks.
Initial assessments suggested a two-month absence from the game, but the latest updates indicate a significantly longer rehabilitation period. Journalist Abhishek Tripathi reported that Iyer may not achieve full match fitness before the 2026 IPL season, leaving Punjab Kings without their premier middle-order batter and established leader.
The extended absence also means Iyer would return to cricket with minimal match practice, raising questions about his form and readiness for high-pressure tournaments.
Major Series Missed as Recovery Timeline Extends
Iyer’s injury has also sidelined him from India’s immediate international commitments. He was expected to feature in the ongoing white-ball series against South Africa but was omitted from the squad after failing to clear fitness assessments.
Before the Australia tour, Iyer had requested the BCCI to exempt him from red-ball duties, citing persistent back issues and overall ill-health. The latest laceration has added to his woes.
A UCG Test has already been conducted, and further scans are planned to determine the exact nature of his recovery path. Medical teams believe his rehabilitation might begin only in late December or early January.
With such a timeline, he is almost certain to miss the entire South Africa limited-overs leg and the subsequent New Zealand home series. These absences not only affect India’s immediate squad balance but also delay the team’s plans for stabilizing the middle order ahead of future ICC tournaments.
Possible Replacements for India in Shreyas Iyer’s Absence
Iyer’s absence leaves India with a crucial vacancy in the middle order, particularly in the number four role, where he has been a consistent run-getter since the 2023 World Cup. The selectors now face the task of identifying a suitable replacement for the upcoming fixtures.
Rishabh Pant emerges as a strong contender as he accelerates his return to full-time ODI cricket. Dhruv Jurel has also been discussed as a potential middle-order option due to his temperament and recent performances.
Additionally, versatile batters like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are in the mix, competing for a chance to solidify a permanent spot. While the team has depth, replacing Iyer’s experience and stability will be a significant challenge until he makes a full recovery.
