WATCH: Shreyas Iyer sustains injury after putting body on line to hand India a wicket

Shreyas Iyer sustains injury after putting body on line to hand India a wicket (BCCI Photo)

In what could be a major blow to India, the team's vice-captain Shreyas Iyer put his body on line to grab a superb catch in the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday. He completed the catch but in the process sustained an injury, forcing him to leave the field after being examined by the medical staff.

The incident took place on the fourth ball of the 34th over. Alex Carey miscued the shot, and Iyer turned around and sprinted towards the ball's landing zone from backward point. He jumped perfectly and managed to hold onto the ball, ending the 59-run partnership, but landed awkwardly on his left side in the process.

Iyer stayed on the ground and appeared in intense pain as the rest of his teammates checked on him. The medical team arrived on the field for treatment but Iyer failed to continue further. He walked outside the field with the support of a staff member.

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

Carey, who received a second life after being dropped by Prasidh Krishna off Kuldeep Yadav in the 30th over, returned to the dugout with a scratchy 24(37).

Iyer became the latest injury concern for India after the young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. After Australia won the toss and opted to bat, India captain Shubman Gill revealed two changes in the playing XI - Arshdeep Singh and Nitish making way for Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav.

Moments after the toss concluded, the BCCI revealed that Nitish's absence stems from a left quadriceps injury, which he picked up during the second ODI in Adelaide. The Indian board confirmed that he is currently being monitored daily by the board's medical team.

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Reddy flopped badly during the must-win second ODI for India, garnering eight runs off 10 deliveries with the bat and returning wicketless after his three-over spell while spilling 24 runs at an economy of 8.00.

The BCCI didn't comment on Arshdeep's absence, and initial speculations suggested a fitness issue. The left-armer was visibly struggling with cramps in Adelaide and received treatment from the staff on the sidelines.

- with ANI inputs