Indian middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer is facing a potential setback, risking his participation in the last three Test matches against England due to an injury concern. The cricketer has reported stiffness in the back and groin pain while playing forward defense, prompting doubts about his availability. Iyer’s equipment, unlike the rest of the squad’s, was sent to his home in Mumbai instead of being flown directly to Rajkot for the third Test, scheduled to commence on February 15, raising further concerns.

The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to announce the Indian squad for the remaining Test matches on Friday, with the series finely poised at 1-1.

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Sources reveal that Iyer will undergo further tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. Despite the setback, the batsman is optimistic about returning to competitive cricket in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting next month. Last year, Iyer underwent surgery after suffering a back injury.

India’s injury woes would seem to be mounting 😱

Shreyas Iyer now a doubt for the Rajkot Test after complaining of back stiffness #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/xbepRkD5NR

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) February 9, 2024

According to a source, “Iyer has informed the Indian team management and the medical staff that his back gets stiff after playing more than 30 balls, and he feels pain in his groin while playing forward defense. Post surgery, he is facing this issue for the first time, so he has been advised to rest for a few weeks. He will head to NCA later.”

In the event of Iyer’s unavailability, the selection committee will need to decide on a replacement. With KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja expected to return for the Rajkot Test, there is speculation about whether Rajat Patidar, who made his debut in Vizag, will get another opportunity.

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The selection committee, initially set to pick the team on Thursday, opted to wait for one more day to determine the availability of former captain Virat Kohli. While Kohli’s participation in the third Test remains uncertain, the selectors aim to understand whether he will be available for the last two matches. Kohli withdrew from the ongoing series citing personal reasons. The rest of the squad, currently on a short break, has been instructed to reconvene in Rajkot on February 11, with training resuming the following day.