IPL 2024: Will Shreyas Iyer play the opening match or not? Here's the big update from the team manager

Less than a week left before the start of the Indian Premier League 2024, and every team is preparing in complete oscillation to win the opening clash of the season. However, KKR fans are still determining whether their star skipper, Shreyas Iyer, will play the opening clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata or not.

Reports on Iyer’s Back Injury

Shreyas Iyer‘s fitness status has become a significant talking point in cricketing circles due to reports of a back injury. Recent reports suggest that Shreyas Iyer’s back injury was aggravated during his Ranji Trophy stint with Mumbai, raising concerns about his participation in the upcoming IPL season. While specific sources indicate potential match absences for Iyer, officials from Mumbai and Kolkata Knight Riders have denied any threat to his IPL participation, asserting his fitness for the tournament.

Statements from Mumbai Team Manager and Kolkata Knight Riders

“There is no cause for concern; he is fine and will be going to Kolkata for the pre-IPL camp in two days,” Mumbai team manager Bhushan Patil was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

But KKR fans and staff were seen as having problems when Shreyas Iyer was absent from the field during crucial moments of the Ranji Trophy final, sparking discussions about the severity of his injury. During his innings in the Ranji Trophy final, Iyer displayed signs of discomfort, requiring interventions from the physiotherapist, which has led to further scrutiny of his fitness.

“His injury is not looking good, which has got aggravated. It’s unlikely that he will take the field on Day 5 of the Ranji Trophy final. He is in danger of missing the initial matches of the IPL,” the newspaper reported, citing a source.

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Speculations on Iyer’s IPL Participation

Reports indicate inconclusive scan results regarding Iyer’s back injury, with the exact diagnosis pending clarification from the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Speculations arise regarding Shreyas Iyer’s potential absence from the initial matches of the IPL season, raising questions about the circumstances leading to his participation in the Ranji Trophy.

With just a week left for the IPL opening match, the spotlight intensifies on Iyer’s fitness, especially as Kolkata Knight Riders gear up for their campaign on March 23. The arrival of Gautam Gambhir, KKR’s mentor, adds anticipation and excitement to the upcoming IPL season despite lingering concerns over Iyer’s fitness.