Cricket fans around the globe are holding their breath after Shreyas Iyer, wicket-keeper batsman of the Punjab Kings, suffered a serious injury during IPL 2025.
Iyer, an important player for both his IPL team and the Indian national team, was visibly in anguish on the pitch. His injury was a finger injury suffered during play while playing as part of the Punjab Kings team against the Rajasthan Royals. This injury was sudden, which raises further questions, beyond availability in IPL, as to Iyer’s fitness for India’s upcoming tour of England.
Shreyas Iyer’s Injury: What Happened?
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In the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, Shreyas Iyer was struggling with an injured finger but persisted at the crease. His finger was taped, and he went on to score 30 runs off 25 deliveries despite the discomfort. This was a major concern, considering the IPL playoffs were at stake and the Indian team selection for the tour of England was just around the corner.
Iyer’s injury came at a very important time with the Indian team gearing up for a Test series against England. After a constant run in the IPL, Iyer was one of the best chances that India had in terms of the likely team that would be sent to England, so it was a blow to his progress.
Punjab Kings’ Reaction to Iyer’s Injury
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In the wake of Shreyas Iyer’s injury, Punjab Kings took a prudent decision by keeping him out of the playing XI for the first time during IPL 2025. Harpreet Brar replaced him in the team, and Shashank Singh led the team in his absence.
The move, although required owing to Iyer’s injury, has created a huge gap in the batting department of the Punjab Kings. Iyer’s unavailability has left a void in the middle order of the team, and the franchise will be hoping other players fill in for him during his absence.
Despite the loss, Punjab Kings stay in contention for the IPL 2025 playoffs, and the remaining matches will be important for assessment. The team would have to rely on other contributory players to make up for Iyer’s loss.
Effect on Team India’s England Tour
Iyer’s injury concerns Team India quite a bit. The Indian team is set to announce its squad for the upcoming Test series against England in the near future, and Iyer’s injury could impact selection.
With his form in the IPL and benefit of experience, he was a strong candidate for the forthcoming tour, but with the injury that puts his availability into doubt, the Indian selectors might be forced to drop their selection.
This not only presents a hurdle to Punjab Kings but also to Team India, because Iyer has been one of their respective key players in the past few years. A gap in the middle order of the Indian Test side brings considerable concerns moving into the conditions faced in England.
The extent of Iyer’s injury is yet to be ascertained.
The player must get fit fully before the England tour, as a hasty return might prove costly for his long-term career. The Indian team management will keep a close eye on his rehabilitation, and it will be interesting to see when he returns to action.
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