Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has finally opened up about the real reason behind his exclusion from the BCCI’s central contract list for 2023-24. Alongside Ishan Kishan, Iyer was at the center of controversy earlier this year, with many speculating that disciplinary issues led to their removal. However, in a candid interview with GQ India, Iyer revealed the true depth of his health struggles during that period.
“Totally Paralysed in One Leg”: Iyer Reveals the Extent of His Injury
Iyer shared that a severe nerve injury, not any off-field behavior, was the actual reason for his absence and subsequent exclusion from the contract list. “No one can understand the pain I went through. I was totally paralysed in one leg. With spine surgery, you can place a rod in the back and still manage. But a snapped nerve, which is what I had, is really, really dangerous,” TOI quoted him as saying.
His condition raised serious questions about his playing future, and the emotional toll was just as heavy. “People see athletes as robots who must perform every game. They don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes,” Iyer added, pointing out how misunderstood athletes can be during injury layoffs.
Debate Shifts to Asia Cup 2025 Selection
The conversation around Shreyas Iyer has now moved on from work ethic concerns to his absence from India’s T20 squad ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Despite leading two different IPL franchises to back-to-back finals, the middle-order batter has yet to earn a recall to the national T20 setup.
When asked about his omission, Iyer maintained a composed outlook. “I can only control the controllable. I’ll keep working on my skills and strength, and when the opportunity arises, I’ll grab it with both hands,” he said.
While his comeback to the Indian senior team remains uncertain, Iyer will lead India A in a two-match unofficial multi-day series against Australia A, starting September 16 in Lucknow. This assignment could serve as a crucial platform for him to prove his fitness and form to the selectors ahead of a packed international calendar.
