NEW DELHI: India's middle-order batsman, Shreyas Iyer, will be sidelined for India's second consecutive match in the Asia Cup due to a back spasm. The team has been advised to give Iyer rest during the crucial Super Four contest against Sri Lanka.
This development comes shortly after India's resounding victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on Monday night. Iyer, who recently made a comeback to top-flight cricket following a back surgery, also missed the game against Pakistan. His absence from two consecutive games has raised concerns about his fitness ahead of the upcoming World Cup in India, scheduled for next month.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement regarding Iyer's condition, stating, "Shreyas Iyer is feeling better but is yet to fully recover from back spasm. He has been advised rest by the BCCI Medical Team and has not travelled with the team to the stadium today for India's Super 4 match against Sri Lanka."
KL Rahul was the last-minute replacement for Iyer in the playing eleven. Iyer had previously batted for India in the tournament opener against Pakistan on September 2.
Despite Iyer's absence, India managed to secure the top position on the points table in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup with their remarkable 228-run victory over Pakistan.
(With PTI inputs)
