Shreyas Iyer rib cage injury in Australia; Delhi-based orthopaedic hints at deep impact on chest wall

Cricketer Shreyas Iyer suffers rib-cage injury during India-Australia ODI match (Picture Credut: X/@SunRisers)

India's ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer sustained a rib cage injury during the ongoing India-Australia series and for the past few days, he has been admitted in Sydney hospital and undergoing the treatment.

Going by the reports, the cricketer is suffering from internal bleeding, with doctors saying this kind of injury is not the usual one. A lot of cricketer's fans are hoping for a swift recovery, but some of the reports that have been coming out have confused the fans. To understand more about rib cage injury, treatment, time taken to heal and more, we spoke to Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Director & Head-Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Aakash Healthcare.

On Shreyas Iyer's rib cage injury...
"Rib cage is important, as it offers protection to important organs like lungs and the heart. When it is injured, it causes damage, or strain to the bones, muscles, or soft tissues consisting of the rib cage. These injuries may be simple bruises and strain of the muscles, or more severe ones such as broken ribs or internal haemorrhage," said the doctor. Speaking about Shreyas Iyer's condition, he shared, "Clearly, the medical team has made a precautionary, yet crucial move to keep him under observance since internal bleeding is there. They are doing so to avoid any additional problems. It's actually good. The cricketer should make a full recovery and then only get back to the field after he has been tended to to the tee and given proper nutrition."

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Take a look at the post:

UPDATE - Shreyas Iyer sustained an injury to his left rib cage while fielding. He has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation and assessment of his injury.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/UFffBiGxsF

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 25, 2025

How does one know if rib cage injury is serious or not?

The doctor shared that in mild injuries, one experiences pain during breathing, coughing or twisting. However, in extreme cases, one faces difficulty in breathing, tenderness, swelling, and sharp, persistent pain.

In situations when there is internal bleeding, or damage caused to nearby organs, the symptoms include dizziness, bluish skin, and fast pulse rate. "Since internal bleeding is reported in the case of Shreyas Iyer, it indicates that there was a more profound effect on the chest wall or intercostal muscles. His condition should be observed at the hospital for at least 7-10 days," Dr Chaudhry told Moneycontrol.

Problems one faces during rib cage injury:
One of the primary problems that a patient can face during the recovery is pain control and limited breathing. It is also common for people to face difficulty in breathing deeply and instead of doing that, they practice shallow breathing. In some situations, one also has to confront respiratory complications, shared the doctor. "It is common to experience physical pain while moving, sleeping and even laughing. This is why it is important to rest. Also, whatever activity that puts strain on the chest must be avoided till one has recovered completely," explained Dr Chaudhry.

Food items one should eat for faster healing...
"While we do prescribe calcium and other vitamins, eating foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein and omega-3 fatty acids help aid the recovery. For example, dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese help the bones; bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C; Vitamin D is also important for healthy bones and proper absorption of Vitamin C. Eggs, salmon, and nuts are also useful," the doctor shared. 

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Precautions to observe...

The doctor listed down following things:

1. Do not pick heavy objects or sleep on the injured side.
2. The breathing exercises should be performed under supervision only.
3. Even after initial recovery, proper protective gear should be worn in sports to minimise such injuries in the near future.

FAQs on rib-cage injury:

1. What are the common symptoms of a rib cage injury?

Typical symptoms include sharp pain when breathing, coughing, or moving; tenderness over the ribs; bruising or swelling around the injured area; and sometimes difficulty taking deep breaths.

2. How can I tell if a rib is broken or just bruised?

Both cause similar pain, but a broken rib usually causes more severe pain, especially with movement or deep breathing. Only an X-ray or medical imaging can confirm a fracture, so it’s important to seek medical evaluation.

3. What should I do immediately after a rib cage injury?

Apply ice to reduce swelling, rest and avoid strenuous activity, and take pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as directed. Avoid tightly wrapping your chest, as it can restrict breathing.

4. When should I see a doctor for a rib injury?

Seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, severe pain, coughing up blood, or if the pain worsens over time. These can indicate a serious injury such as a punctured lung or multiple fractures.

5. How long does it take for a rib cage injury to heal?

Most rib bruises or fractures heal in 4–6 weeks with proper rest and pain management. Healing time may be longer for severe injuries or in older adults.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.