Shreyas Iyer oxygen level dropped to 50, wasn’t able to stand; doubtful for South Africa ODIs: Report

Shreyas Iyer oxygen level dropped to 50, wasn’t able to stand (AFP Photo)

Shreyas Iyer, India's ODI vice-captain, has returned to the country and is making progress in his recuperation, it is unlikely that he will play in the forthcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, which begins on November 30. Iyer is still recovering from a serious on-field injury he sustained in Australia.

Iyer's condition was more serious than first believed, according to sources who spoke to The Indian Express. At one point after the incident, his oxygen level dropped to 50. “He wasn’t able to stand properly for nearly 10 minutes. There was a complete blackout around him, and it took some time for him to return to normal,” the national daily quoted a source in the Indian board as saying.

Iyer hurt himself while completing a diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey in the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He was taken to the hospital and was released last week.

Shreyas SUPERMAN Iyer!

Puts his body on the line for #TeamIndia and gets the much needed wicket. #AUSvIND 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW https://t.co/0evPIuAfKW pic.twitter.com/LCXriNqYFy

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2025

“Shreyas Iyer sustained a blunt injury to his abdomen while fielding during the third ODI against Australia on 25 October 2025, resulting in a laceration of his spleen with internal bleeding," the BCCI statement read. “The injury was promptly identified, and the bleeding was immediately arrested following a minor procedure. He has undergone appropriate medical management for the same,” it added.

Iyer has been under medical care since returning home, and it is estimated that it will take him more than a month to get to full match fitness.

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“The board and selection committee don’t want to rush him back after the injury,” another official said. “He will take more time to be fully fit, and his participation in the South Africa series looks doubtful.”

After the two-Test series, which starts on November 14, India will play the three ODIs at Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. Iyer seemed upbeat despite the setback when he posted a picture of himself enjoying the sun on social media on Monday, with the caption: “Sun’s been a great therapy. Grateful to be back. Thanks for all the love and care.”