Team India batter Shreyas Iyer has firmly denied recent reports claiming that he is injured and will miss Mumbai’s upcoming Ranji Trophy encounter against Tripura, which starts on October 26, 2024. The 29-year-old cricketer, who has endured multiple back injuries in the past, took to social media to set the record straight, expressing his frustration over the spread of misinformation.
“I’m Not Injured” – Shreyas Iyer Refutes Claims Ahead of Mumbai’s Ranji Game
The rumors regarding Shreyas Iyer’s supposed injury began circulating on October 22, with various websites suggesting that the Mumbai batter would be sidelined. However, Iyer swiftly responded the following morning, taking to his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) to dismiss the false reports. Quoting a post that suggested his unavailability, Iyer wrote, “Guys seriously let’s do some homework before publishing news.” His statement made it clear that the reports were inaccurate and that he remains fit and ready for Mumbai’s crucial upcoming match.
This is a significant statement from Iyer, especially given his history with back injuries. In the past year, he has faced multiple setbacks due to recurring back issues, which eventually led him to undergo surgery. The surgery was crucial for Iyer’s long-term health, as it addressed the root cause of the back problems that had plagued him throughout much of his career. After months of recovery, Iyer successfully returned to the Indian national team ahead of the 2023 Asia Cup and played a part in the subsequent ICC ODI World Cup.
Despite his recovery, Shreyas Iyer’s performance for India post-injury has not been without challenges. A combination of inconsistent form and further niggles meant that he lost his place in the Indian Test team after the second match of the home series against England earlier in 2024. Moreover, his absence from one of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy matches last season cost him a potential BCCI central contract. While Iyer has not been a regular in India’s recent Test setups, his impressive form in domestic cricket has continued to demonstrate his value.
Shreyas Iyer’s latest outing in the ongoing 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season has been nothing short of impressive. He featured in Mumbai’s first two matches, against Baroda and Maharashtra, scoring a combined 172 runs across three innings at a remarkable average of over 57. His standout performance came in Mumbai’s victory over Maharashtra, where he played a match-winning knock of 142 runs, helping his team secure a nine-wicket win and bounce back from a disappointing loss against Baroda.
Shreyas Iyer’s contributions in Mumbai’s early Ranji Trophy games underscore his current fitness and form, dispelling doubts about his ability to handle the rigors of long-form cricket. After the Maharashtra game, Iyer expressed his relief at regaining full fitness, stating that he finally feels like he is “back to his best.”
In addition to his Ranji Trophy performances, Iyer has continued to excel in limited-overs cricket. Earlier this year, he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest T20 captains in the world. Under Iyer’s leadership, KKR clinched the 2024 IPL trophy, defeating Gujarat Titans in a thrilling final in May. Iyer’s tactical acumen and ability to deliver under pressure were key to his team’s success, further enhancing his standing in Indian cricket.
However, the road to full recovery has not been easy. Shreyas Iyer’s back surgery last year kept him out of action for several months, and the rehabilitation process was both physically and mentally challenging. Despite the obstacles, Iyer’s determination to return to his peak has been evident. His hard work has paid off, as his recent performances in both domestic and international cricket demonstrate that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
With the upcoming Ranji Trophy game against Tripura on the horizon, Iyer’s confirmation of his availability is a major boost for Mumbai. As one of the team’s most experienced and in-form players, Iyer’s presence will be crucial as they aim to build on their recent successes and strengthen their position in the tournament.
For Shreyas Iyer, the focus remains on continuing his rich vein of form in the domestic circuit and pushing for a return to the Indian Test setup. With the Ranji Trophy being a key platform for selection into the national side, a strong performance in the ongoing season could open doors for Iyer to make his comeback in India’s red-ball squad.
In conclusion, Shreyas Iyer’s swift dismissal of injury rumors showcases his current fitness and readiness for the challenges ahead. Having overcome significant hurdles, including surgery and the pressure of a comeback, Iyer is now focused on continuing his upward trajectory. As Mumbai gears up for their next Ranji Trophy encounter, all eyes will be on Iyer as he looks to lead his team to victory and further cement his position as one of India’s premier batters in all formats.
