During the third One Day International match between India national cricket team and Australia national cricket team on 25 October 2025, Shreyas Iyer pulled off a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In the act of sprinting backwards from backward point and immediately diving, Iyer landed awkwardly on his left lower rib cage region.

Shortly after returning to the dressing room, medical staff noted fluctuations in Iyer’s vital signs. Scans revealed internal bleeding and a laceration of the spleen, necessitating his immediate admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a Sydney hospital.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement confirming the injury and saying the Indian team doctor will remain in Sydney to monitor his day-to-day progress. They described his condition as stable and under treatment.

Implications & Outlook

Iyer’s injury has emerged as a significant blow to India’s preparations, especially with upcoming fixtures (T20 series) approaching.

Initially the prognosis suggested an absence of about three weeks, but the internal bleeding has led medical staff to caution that the recovery timeline is now uncertain.

This incident underlines the risks all-rounders and fielders face in high-intensity matches where quick reactions and dives are required. Proper medical evaluation post-impact is crucial.

For Iyer personally: maintaining fitness, monitoring spleen healing, and returning only when fully cleared will be important to avoid long-term complications.

What We Will Watch

Updates from the BCCI and medical team on his progress, including when he might return to India and when he could resume match play.

Whether the injury alters India’s selection or fielding strategy for imminent matches.

The rehabilitation protocols employed and how Iyer’s training adapts post-injury.