After the conclusion of the white-ball series against Australia, the Indian cricket team will host South Africa in a multi-format series comprising of two Tests, three-match ODI series, followed by five T20Is. While the Test series will commence from November 14 in Kolkata, the series will begin from November 30 in Ranchi. While the first game will be played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, it will then move to Raipur and Vizag for the second and third match.
Moreover, the ODI series will see veteran cricketers and former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back on the field, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still sweating on the fitness of Shreyas Iyer. It is to be noted that Shreyas Iyer sustained a blunt
injury to his abdomen in the third ODI against Australia, resulting in laceration of his spleen with internal bleeding.
Shreyas Iyer doubtful for ODI series against South Africa after fluctuation in oxygen level: Report
However, he underwent a minor procedure and has checked out of the hospital, he continues to be monitor after the near-fatal incident. While he continues his recovery, recent reports have revealed that he is unlikely to feature in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. According to a report in the Indian Express, the batter needs more time to be fit to play international cricket.
"He will take more time to be fully match fit and the board and selection committee doesn't want to rush after his injury. He is doubtful for the South Africa ODI series," a BCCI source was quoted as saying in the report. The source further revealed, "Iyer's oxygen had dropped to 50 and for ten minutes he wasn't able to stand properly. There was a complete black out around him and it took him some time to come back to normal.”
As Iyer continues his recovery, in the two matches he played Down Under, he amassed 72 runs including a 77-ball 61 in Adelaide. Overall this year, Iyer has scored 496 runs at an average of 49.60 and a strike rate of 89.53 in 10 innings of 11 matches, including five fifty-plus scores. He also had a stellar campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy, where he scored 243 runs in five innings and finished as India’s top run-getter.
