Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant catch at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday turned into a tense moment for Team India as the vice-captain walked off the field in visible pain. What started as a moment of pure athleticism may now leave India a batter short during their chase.
A Stunning Catch Turns Painful
The incident unfolded on the third ball of the 34th over. Harshit Rana bowled a good-length delivery outside off, and Alex Carey mis-timed a leg-side heave that ballooned over backward point.
Iyer, positioned inside the circle, sprinted back with his eyes glued to the ball. At full stretch, he dove and caught it brilliantly — using his chest to secure the ball as he crashed onto the ground.
But the fall didn’t end well. Shreyas immediately clutched his ribs, grimacing in pain. Kuldeep Yadav quickly signaled for the physio, and the entire team surrounded him. After a few minutes of treatment on the field, Iyer was helped off with the physio’s support, raising concerns in the Indian camp.
India Hold Their Breath Over Iyer’s Fitness
Team India will be hoping the injury isn’t too serious. Fortunately, Iyer doesn’t have immediate international commitments — India next play T20Is and Tests, formats where he isn’t currently part of the setup.
The next ODI series is scheduled to begin on November 30 against South Africa. Even so, any long-term injury would be a major setback for India’s plans heading into the busy cricket calendar.
Australia Restricted to 236 After Strong Start
Earlier in the day, Australia were restricted to 236 runs in the final ODI despite a steady start. Matt Renshaw’s composed 56 anchored the innings, while Marsh and Head added 61 runs for the first wicket, followed by a 54-run stand between Renshaw and Carey.
But India’s bowling unit struck back with discipline. Harshit Rana led the charge with 4/39, Axar Patel bowled Marsh with a beauty, Virat Kohli took a sharp catch, and Washington Sundar trapped Renshaw LBW. Australia’s lower order offered brief resistance, but the innings never really took off.
India Face a Nervous Chase
India now need 237 runs to win the match and avoid a whitewash. However, Shreyas Iyer’s injury has cast a shadow over the chase. It remains uncertain whether he’ll walk out to bat, but the team will be hoping their vice-captain can return if required.
One moment of brilliance may have changed the game — but possibly at a heavy cost.
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